Clashes, protests in IHK as India hangs Guru Curfew imposed in held state Six injured in clashesOfficials block internet service Indian Army deployed in native village of GuruMirwaiz announces 4-day mourning S RINAGAR —Violent clashes and protests broke out in Indian-Occupied Kashmir Saturday over the execution of Indian parliament attack convict Mohammed Afzal Guru. The clashes broke out in Sopore and Baramulla towns, northwest of Srinagar city. Indian authorities Saturday morning hanged Guru to death in Tihar jail of New Delhi.Though authorities imposed curfew restrictions in Occupied Kashmir, people defied the restrictions and clashed with police. Reports said at least six people were KARACHI—A grand injured in these clashes. alliance of ten political Officials blocked internet parties led by Pakistan service mobile phones data Muslim League-Functional cards and snapped the cable (PML-F) Saturday anTV network service in the nounced to jointly contest Kashmir region. Indian army the upcoming general has been deployed in elections against Pakistan Doabagah village of Sopore, People’s Party (PPP). the residential village of This was announced in Guru, around 52 km northa meeting of the allied west of Srinagar. More than political parties at the 200 people mostly neighbors residence of PML-F leader had assembled at Guru’s Jam Madad Ali in Karachi. house despite police restricRepresentatives of PML- tions. Police had to fire warnF, National People’s Party, ing shots in air to disperse Sindh United Party, Awami the people trying to march Tehreek, Jamiat Ulema-iIslam, Sunni Tehreek, PMLN, Jamiat Ulema-i-Pakistan and Sindh Taraqi Party attended the meeting.—INP
10 parties led by PML-F to jointly contest polls
PM arrives in London LONDON— Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf arrived here on a four-day visit to Britain on Saturday. Earlier, en-route to United Kingdom‚ the Prime Minister had a brief stopover at Ankara Esenboga International Airport on Saturday. Turkish Minister for Science‚ Industry & Technology Nihat Ergün along with members of Turkish Grand National Assembly Esref Tas‚ Ms Tülay Selamoglu‚ Muzaffer Çakar and Orhan Erdem and senior officials of the Turkish Foreign Ministry received the dignitary. Pakistan’s Ambassador to Turkey Muhammad Haroon Shaukat and officials of the Pakistan Embassy in Ankara were also present at the Airport.
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Two al-Qaeda members killed in drone attack D I KHAN—Two members of al-Qaeda, Abu Majid al Iraqi and Sheikh Abu Waqas al Yamani were among the nine killed in US drone attack on Friday in South Waziristan. Pakistani officials say the death toll from U.S. drone strike in the restive tribal region has risen to 9, all of whom were militants. Two intelligence officials said Saturday that three members of the Pakistani Taliban movement wounded in the Friday strike on a militant compound died overnight. They had originally put the death toll at six. The officials said their field informants confirmed
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towards Guru’ s village, resi- tal city- Srinagar imposed an dents said. indefinite and strict curfew Guru is survived by his fearing violent protests and clashes. The restrictions are being enforced by hundreds of policemen and India’s paramilitary Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel deployed in full-riot gears. The Indian security forces installed barricades on the roads in major towns to restrict movement of people. Guru, a Kashmiri, was convicted by Indian judiciary for his role in the December 2001 attack on India’s Parliament house, which killed several Indian security wife Tabusum and 12-year- personnel and five attackers. old son Ghalib. He was sentenced to death An independent pro-In- in 2004 by Indian Supreme dia lawmaker Abdul Rashid Court. The sentence was Sheikh was arrested after he supposed to have been cartried to stage demonstrations ried out on Oct 20, 2006. Howagainst Guru’s hanging in ever, the sentence was Handwara town of Kupwara stayed after Guru’s wife filed district. Sheikh two years a mercy petition. back submitted a resolution The attack on Indian parin the state assembly seek- liament then brought the two ing amnesty for Guru. nuclear neighbors India and Hours ahead of his execu- Pakistan almost at the brink tion, authorities in Indian- of war. SRINAGAR: A Kashmiri Muslim shouting slogans against India during a gathering to offer funeral prayers in Occupied including the capiContinued on Page 7 absentia for Mohammad Afzal Guru.
Swiss authorities refuse to reopen graft cases against Zardari STAFF REPORTER
I S L A M A B A D —The Swiss authorities on Saturday said that they cannot reopen graft cases against President Asif Ali Zardari. In response to the government of Pakistan’s letter written a few months back on the Supreme Court’s order in the NRO implementation case, the Swiss authorities have expressed their inability to do so, sources said.
Federal Minister of Law, Farooq H Naek has confirmed receipt of the letter from Swiss authorities. Sources said that the Federal Law Minister would himself apprise the President about the contents of the letter from Swiss authorities. It is pertinent to mention here that the much awaited letter - that led to ouster of former prime minister Yusuf Raza Gilani from his office was written to the Swiss au-
thorities in November 2012, following the Supreme Court orders in NRO implementation case. The apex court had given the government one-month deadline to write the letter to the Swiss authorities to withdraw a previous letter to the Swiss government by former attorney general Malik Qayyum, seeking closure of alleged graft cases against President Asif Ali Zardari.
Malik Riaz, son get bail in land scam case RAWALPINDI,—An accountability court on Saturday granted bail to real estate tycoon Malik Riaz Hussain and his son Ahmed Ali Riaz Malik, chief executive officer of Bahria Town, in the land scam case. The court also accepted NAB’s request for hearing to withdraw reference against
both accused. During case proceeding, NAB representative told court that no evidence was found against Malik Riaz and his son. The judge accepted NAB’s request and directed the respondents to submit their replies by February 16. Meanwhile, N a t i o n a l
Accountability Bureau (NAB) has filed application in Accountability Court (AC) for withdrawing its reference against property tycoon, Malik Riaz and his son Ali Riaz in land scam case. The application for withdrawing reference in 1401 kanal land scandal case has
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3-member SC bench to hear Qadri’s plea STAFF REPORTER Court on Saturday formed a three-judge bench to hear a plea moved by Tehreek-eMinhajul Quran chief Dr Tahirul Qadri, seeking reconstitution of the Election Commission of Pakistan. The bench will be headed by Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry and
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Petition against dissolution of ECP filed LAHORE—A petition against the dissolution of Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has been filed in Supreme Court’s Lahore registry on Saturday. The petition, filed by barrister Zafarullah, stated that the chief election commissioner and members were constitutionally appointed, adding that few negative emelments were trying to postpone general elections. Continued on Page 7
B O S TO N — A behemoth an 82-mph wind gust was The possibility led to the that people couldn’t open recorded in nearby Westport. Areas of southeastern Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New Hampshire notched at least 2 feet — with more falling. Airlines scratched more than 5,300 flights through Saturday, and the three major airports serving New York City as well as Boston’s Logan Airport closed. Flooding was also a concern along the coast.
evacuation of two neighborhoods in Quincy, Mass., south of Boston, and of 20 to 30 people in oceanfront homes in Salisbury in northeastern Massachusetts, authorities in those towns said. But it did not appear to create major problems in New York and New Jersey, states hit hardest during last October ’s Superstorm Sandy. Snow piled up so high in some places Saturday
Four hideouts of militants destroyed TARIQ S AEED
I SLAMABAD —The Supreme P E S H AWA R —As the opera-
Snowstorm buries US Northeast storm packing hurricaneforce wind gusts and blizzard conditions swept through the Northeast overnight, where more than 650,000 homes and businesses in the densely populated region lost power, roads were impassable and New Englanders awoke Saturday to more than 2 feet of snow. More than 38 inches of snow fell in Milford in central Connecticut, and
15 terrorists killed in Aurakzai
their doors to get outside. Streets were mostly deserted throughout New England save for plow crews and a few hardy souls walking dogs or venturing out to take pictures. In Boston’s Financial District, the only sound was an army of snowblowers clearing sidewalks. Streets in many places were inaccessible. Even the U.S. Postal
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tion against the militants challenging the writ of the government in Aurakzai agency continued, the PAF war machines went hard on the militants positions and killed yet another 15 alleged terrorists in Upper Aurakzai agency Saturday. Besides, four hide outs of the militants were also destroyed. Around a dozen suspects were killed when the Jet planes struck hard on
Fazl heads to Qatar to talk Taliban ISLAMABAD—Jamiat Ulemae-Islam (F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Saturday left for Qatar to hold talks with Taliban. Taliban had earlier invited Maulana Fazlur Rehman for talks. JUI-F leader Hafiz Hussain Ahmed has confirmed that Maulana Fazlur Rehman has flown for Qatar to hold talks with Taliban, but federal government has not given any response to the peace talks with Taliban.—NNI
Quetta: Kuchlak blast kills one, injures three STAFF REPORTER Q UETTA — An
explosion Saturday afternoon rocked Kuchlak, a Quetta suburb, killing one person and injuring at least three. According to police, either an explosive device planted in a car or the CNG cylinder fitted inside it, burst at a stones throw from the
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the positions of militant in Upper Aurakzai following a deadly explosion near offices of security forces and Political administration in Kalaya Lower agency leaving some 15 people dead and over 30 others wounded. The PAF gunship helicopters on Saturday went for incessant shelling on the hide outs of militants in Momozai area of upper agency and resultantly four to five dens of the trouble makers were destroyed leading to killing of fifteen
people and injuring seven others. “The PAF planes heavily shelled and bombed the positions of militants in Momozai area of the Upper Aurakzai agency that killed at least fifteen persons and injuries to seven others while 4 hideouts of the miscreants were also razed to ground”. Official and independent sources said with the local sources apprehending a few civilians also fell
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Shaukat appointed KP Governor LAHORE—The President has 2008. He has enjoyed the minappointed Federal Minister isters of sports and states for States and Frontier Regions‚ Engineer Shaukat Ullah as Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He would take oath of his office today, February 10, according to the constitution. According to sources, President Asif Ali Zardari has appointed the new governor on the advice of Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf. Engineer Shaukat hails from Federally Administered Tribal Areas and he was elected as Member National Assembly from NA 43 in and frontier regions.—NNI
Rs30b Metro Bus Service to be inaugurated today SALIM AHMED L AHORE —Metro bus service which is a unique transport system of Pakistan is being inaugurated today. Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif
will inaugurate this splendid public welfare project at a simple but dignified ceremony. A high-level Turkish delegation, led by Turkish Deputy Prime Minister would participate in the inaugural
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Kamran Faisal body’s samples sent abroad for forensic test ISLAMABAD—Federal police has sent 6 samples of dead body of Kamran Faisal, a NAB officer to international experts for forensic test. Police sources said Saturday that samples of dead body of late Kamran Faisal which were taken following the exhumation of his grave had been sent to the international experts by the federal police on Friday for forensic test. The number of samples stand at 6, sources added. The international experts will assess from these samples if
the deceased officer had committed suicide or he was murdered. It may be recalled that a few days’ earlier experts of Punjab Forensic Laboratory had obtained samples following exhumation of body for forensic test. Earlier the samples of dead body of late Kamran Faisal sent by federal police to Punjab Forensic Laboratories were declared insufficient. Later Punjab government had demanded for exhumation of the body to obtain evidence from the body
for postmortem saying Punjab Forensic Laboratory experts would collect the samples on their own. On the other hand federal police had finalized its home work for presentation of proposed challan in Supreme Court (SC) in Kamran Faisal case. As per police sources, the investigations made so far and evidence recorded including those of NAB employees are part of police challan while detailed challan will be presented after forensic report is received.
It may be mentioned that dead body of Kamran Faisal was found hanging with a ceiling fan in room No 1 of federal lodges on July, 18, 2013 and his death incident was declared suicide as per elementary postmortem report. Following scathing criticism from media in the death incident and suo motu notice taken by the SC federal police had registered murder case against unknown culprits and started investigations.—Online
Six detained in Quetta search operation QUETTA—Frontier Corps on Saturday arrested six suspects from the Satellite Town area of the city recovering illegal vehicles and arms from
Cold, dry weather forecast
their possession, officials sources said. They said FC during a search operation carried out in the Mini Market, FC detained six suspects
besides recovering three unregistered vehicles, fake number plates and arms. The suspects included Janan, Nazar Jan, Hameed,
Mohammad Zahir, Rahimud DERA GHAZI KHAN: Senior Advisor to Chief Minister Punjab Sardar Zulfiqar Ali Khan Khosa speaks during a Din and Mohammad Hayat. press conference. Police has registered a case and initiated probe into the incident.— APP
Militancy rooted out, govt writ restored in Maidan: Col Bhatti
Naatia Mushaira at Ordnance Club held W A H C ANTT —A Naatia Mushaira under the auspices of Wah Literary and Art Forum regarding Rabi-ulAwwal has been arranged at Ordnance Club. Poets from Wah Cantt and adjoining areas participated in the Mushaira. Lt Gen Muhammad Ahsan Mahmood, HI (M) Chairman POF Board was the Chief Guest on this occasion. Chairman POF Board while addressing the participants said that Non-Muslim community of the world were frightened due to unprecedented love of Muslim Ummah for their beloved Holy Prophet (PBUH). Being aggrieved they have been trying to tarnish the image of Holy Prophet
M ARDAN—KPK chief Min-
ister Amir Haider Khan Hoti has said that terrorism is the problem of entire country and all the political parties should devise a strategy for talks cricket and tug of war were with Taliban to eliminate the participating. The opera- menace of terrorism. tional commander said that sports’ activities would continue for at least one month during which the players would be provided with all kinds of facilities. Assistant commissioner Maidan Wajid Ali Khan, Major Muhammad Muzhar Hafeez, former MPA saeed Gul, district sports officer Walid Khan and notables of the area were also present on this occasion.
ISLAMABAD—The local Met office has forecast cold and hideouts of militants had M HALEEM ASAD dry weather with chances of been destroyed and there mist in the morning for city and its suburbs during the T IMERGARA —The Maidan had been no threat to operational commander Col peace. He asked tourists across Zulfiqar Ali Bhatti on Saturday stressed upon youth the country to visit and ento take active part in posi- joy beautiful and scenic tive and healthy activities. area of Maidan without any Addressing an inaugural hesitation. The Pakistan army in colceremony of the Peace Sports Gala at Maidan he laboration with Dir Lower said that militancy had been administration has arranged next 24 hours. On Saturday, rooted out in the area and the Peace Sports Gala at the maximum temperature there was complete peace Maidan in which players of was recorded as 23 degrees and writ of the government more than 50 teams of footcelsius and minimum tem- in Maidan. He said secret ball, volleyball, basketball, perature was 7.3 degrees celsiues, respectively. Humidity was recorded 82 percent at 8 am and 46 percent at 5 pm. Dry weather to prevail in next 48 hours of province Mostly dry and cool weather is likely to prevail in the next two days in the provincial metropolis and plain areas of the province. According to Provincial Met office, weather would remain dry and cool in the next 24 hours in most parts of the province. Maximum temperature is expected to remain at 22 degree centigrade in Peshawar on Sunday and Monday while minimum temperature would be 8 degree centigrade during morning and evening times. During daytime the temperature would remain warm with light breeze showing early signs of spring while the mercury would be CHITRAL: Hundred of vehicles stuck in front of Lawari Tunnel due to ditches in middle down in morning and of road and land sliding. evening times.—APP
OUR CORRESPONDENT
Hoti wants political parties to jointly talk to Taliban
by making caricature and films. They cannot be succeeded in their evil design at all. The POF Chief stressed the Muslim Ummah to response the fake propaganda in forceful manner. If Muslims keep silence, they will be committing a great sin. Prophet is the most dignified personally after the Allah Almighty. Lt Gen Muhammad Ahsan Mahmood said that we can only succeed in the world and after this world by following the footsteps of Holy Prophet and this is the only source of our salvation. General Secretary of Wah Art & Literary Forum Mr. Saeed Ullah Yousafzai in his welcoming remarks said that the Wah Art and Literary Forum has been mandated to promote the
literary and educational activities in the city. Earlier, this forum successful organized all Pakistan Azadi Mushaira, All Pakistan Mazahia Mushaira, Pictorial Exhibition on the movement of Pakistan and Speech Competition among students and this Naatia Mushaira has been arranged in order to encourage the local poets. The poets who participated in this Naatia Mushaira include Mr. Manzoor-ulQunain, Presidential Awarded Naat Khawan, Mr. Mubarak Shah, Mr. Shamsheer Haider, Mr. Sajjad Balouch, Mohtarma Syeda Atiya, Mr. Shoaib Hameesh, Mr. Arif Qadri, Mr. Zia-ulMustafa, Rana Saeed Doshi, Mr. Amjad Shahzad, Mr. Talib Ansari, Mr. Yaqoob Aasi and Mr. Usman Naim.
No social change sans massive land reforms SHAFFAAT MALIK TALAGANG—Awami Workers
Party has urged the government to fix land ceiling at 12.5 acres for arid and 25 acres for non-arid land. This was stated here at a seminar organized by Awami Workers Party held in connection with anti-feudal day. Speaking at this occasion President of Chakwal chapter Dr. Abdul Ghaffar said that no meaningful social change can be brought without massive land reforms. He said that feudal and Sardars are responsible for present day decadence of society. Akram Zia Awan, Senior Vice president, AWP Chakwal chapter, said that AWP was an ideological party working for the eradication of exploitation and feudal system so that the common people can be elected to the assemblies from the platform of this party. Addressing the gathering President of AWP, Punjab and candidate of NA-61 Ayub Malik, said that AWP had submitted a writ petition for the land reforms in Supreme Court of Pakistan. He said that emancipation of working class can only take place if we carry out meaningful land reforms in Pakistan, otherwise the exploitative class consisting of feudal lords, and big landlords will keep on ruling the pooras has been happening for the last 65 years. He said that AWP will break this nexus between feudal, establishment and elites to bring a working class revolution in this country which will establish a relationship of the society and the MULTAN: A persons busy in selecting valentine stuff at a shop as Valentine Day to be state. large number of people attended the seminar. celebrated on 14 February.
Talking to media after inaugurating the newly renovated swimming pool at the sports complex here on Saturday, the Chief Minister said that elections should not be made an issue of confrontation at this critical
juncture in the country’s history and was confident that these would be held on schedule. In reply to a question, the Chief Minister said some anti social elements under a well considered
plan, used chemical to burn the Church in Mardan but the brave people of the city foiled their conspiracy. He announced a grant of three crore and sixty six lakh for the reconstruction of the Church.—INP
‘Karachi in critical phase’ I SLAMABAD —Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon has said that Karachi was passing through the critical phase of history but PPP-led government was committed to restore peace. Talking to a private news channel, he said that Pakistan faced many internal and external challenges during war on terrorism. Replying to a query, the minister said that all political parties were agreed on the appointment of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Fakhruddin G Ebrahim to hold elections in transparent manner. The government was fully committed to ensure transparency in the forthcoming elections for the continuity of democratic process in the country, he maintained. Sharjeel said that the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leaders and workers had rendered a lot of sacrifices for the restoration of democracy. He added that democracy and the use of ballot are the only solution to solve the issues of common people. Earlier, speaking to media representatives after the meeting, provincial Information Minister Sharjeel Memon said the operation will begin from today, adding that more security check posts will be built at all entry and exit points of the city. He said that a conspiracy was being hatched to disrupt peace of the metropolis and hoped that the criminals would go on a defensive after the planned operation. A high level delegation of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) is also meeting the chief minister in this regard. Earlier today, members of the MQM had staged a walk-out from the Senate session protesting against the government’s failure to curb violence in Karachi.—APP
Lower Dir APCA threatens general elections’ boycott Protest sit-in in front of KP Assembly on Feb 13 M HALEEM ASAD TIMERGARA—The Lower Dir chapter of All Pakistan Clerks’ Association (APCA) on Saturday threatened to boycott the next general elections if their demand for time scale was not materialized by the present Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government. It also announced to give a call for a protest sit-in in front of the provincial assembly on Feb 13 for acceptance of their demand. A meeting of the APCA Dir Lower in this regard was held at Balambat with its presi-
Staff Reporter
53 apply from Peshawar divisional level PESHAWAR—As many as 53 candidates have applied for
P ESHAWA R —The Governor Khyber Pakistan People’s Party
Pakhtunkhwa, Barrister Masud Kausar has directed the concerned authorities to take necessary steps to purchase land for the establishment of University of Engineering & Technology (UET) Campus at Shaikhan area of Kohat. The campus would be established on a land of one thousand kanal with financial implication of Rs. 250 million. He said this while laying foundation store of Ahmad Faraz recreational park adjacent to Kohat University of Science & Technology at Jarma, on Saturday. The park that would be named after renowned poet Ahmad Faraz and would completed with an estimated cost of Rs. 60 million. The park would include a library, restaurant, museum, zoo and separate space for families. Speaking on the occasion, the Governor termed the project “ master piece” for the progress and development of the area and said that the projects of Khushal Garh Bridge, Kotal Tunnel and Indus Highway were conceived by him, adding it is an honor for him that these uplift projects are materialized. The Governor also announced the new building of Kohat Medical College would be constructed near District Headquarter Hospital and said that incessant efforts are underway in this regard. He said that enhanced medical facilities would be available to people after the attainment of “A” level category by District Hospital Kohat. Barrister Masood Kausar further pointed out that restoration of the law and order in FATA was the top priority of the government after successfully bringing normalization in the province adding we are successfully heading forward to achieve this goal. In fact, he said, situation in a couple of tribal agencies has almost been normalized.
tenure was near to end and clerks were feeling unrest as the government was not taking their demand seriously. The speakers said that clerks’ community would hold a protest sit-in in front of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly on Feb 13. They said that clerks of the Dir had been asked to reach Timergara early in the morning on that date. They also announced that clerks would not vote to the PPP and ANP in next elections if the time ATTOCK: Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif and Leader of the Opposcale demand was not an- sition in National Assembly Chaudhary Nisar Ali Khan offering Fateha for the departed nounced before March 16. soul of father-in-law of MPA Chaudhry Sher Ali Khan.
PPP tickets for national elections
STAFF REPORTER
UET land being acquired
dent Muhammad Shaier Tajak in the chair. District and tehsil cabinet members attended the meeting which was addressed by Muhammad Shaier, general secretary Muhammad Salim, Shah Bacha, Ibad ur Rahman and others. They blamed the provincial government for adopting delaying tactics in acceptance of their demand for time scale. They said that the government had been promising them to accept the demand but was actually doing nothing in that regard. They said that government’s
ticket to contest on four National Assembly and 11 Provincial Assembly seats in next general election from Peshawar district. The intending candidates arrived at Peoples’ Party Secretariat and the district office of the City President, Zulfiqar Afghani in big processions the other day and presented their applications to District President PPP, Malik Tehmash Khan. For NA-1, former Town Nazim, Haji Shaukat Ali, Fahim Khan, Zulfiqar
Afghani, Ghulam Mustafa, Hamidullah Zahid and Saqib Khan while for NA-2, Arbab Alamigr Khan, Ejaz Khalil forwarded their applications for attaining PPP ticket to contest next general election. For NA3, Kiramatullah Chigarmatti, Raza Ullah and Suhail Hashim Awan while for NA-4, Misbahud Din, Ghazanfar Ali and Muhammad Javed applied for PPP ticket. Likewise, to contest on provincial assembly seat PK1, Akbar Khan Advocate, Aziz Khan, Jamil Qamar Advocate and Haji Irshad and for PK-2, Syed Zahir Ali Shah, Khwaja Yawar Nasir, Saeed Ahmed Khan and Niazi Adil forwarded their
applications for party ticket. The intending candidates for PPP ticket for provincial assembly PK-3 were Haji Iqbal Mohmand, Suleman Orakzai, Daud Khan, Nematullah Khan and Malik Taj and for PK-4, Azam Khan Afridi, Kifayatullah Orakzai and Jehanzeb Thekadaar while for PK-5, Malik Jehangir, Pir Fida Khalil and Mali Imtiaz Khalil. For PK-6, Malik Himayatullah, Ashfaq Khalil, Khurshid Alam and Ejaz Khalil, for PK-7, Kiramatullah Chigarmatti, Razaullah and Amanullah Kanezai, for PK-8, ,Malik Tehmash Khan, Malik Firdaus and Qazi Muhammad Iqbal, for PK-9, Haji Muhammad Sharif, Iftikhar
Jhagra and Taj Muhammad Doranpur, for PK-10, Alhaaj Ghazanfar Ali, Bismillah Jan and Noorzada while for PK-11, Muhammad Javed, Shaukat Mohmand and Muhammad Daud Barki applied for PPP ticket. For overall Peshawar Divisions’ 8 National Assembly and 22 Provincial Assembly seats more than 100 candidates were for run to attain PPP ticket for contesting next general election. PPP secretariat informed that more than 100 intending candidates have forwarded their applications to get party ticket for next general election. For NA-7 Charsadda, four intending candidates including Naeem
Khan Umerzai, Temur Khattak, Qesar Jamal Hashtnagaray and Jamal Khattak while for NA-8, three candidates including Wasifullah, Mian Zakir Shah and Farooq Asmat have submitted their applications with PPP Divisional President, Azam Afridi. Likewise, for PK-17, Temur Khattak, Askar Raza, Akbar Ali and Jamal Khattak, for PK-18, Qesar Jamal, Gul Waheed, Zewar Din, Liaqat Ali and Arsahd Mani, for PK-19, Naeem Khan Umerzai, Zafar Ali Shah and Waheed Shah, for PK-20, Haji Barkhurdar, Arif Khan and Anwar Ali, for PK21, Zakir Shah, Ali Shah, Mian Sador Gul.
Nawaz to address public meeting tomorrow C HANI G OTH —Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN) President Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif will be visiting Rahim Yar Khan district where he address a public rally in Mohsanabad tomorrow (Monday). Political circles of the district are giving great importance to the visit and terming it a response to Governor Punjab Makhdoom Ahmed Mehmood for giving tough time to PML-N in the district. Mian Nawaz Sharif is visiting NA-192 constituency of the National Assembly on the invitation of Makhdom Ahmed Anwar. Final arrangements for the public meeting have almost been finalized. Makhdom Ahmed Anwar has won the seat for the National Assembly.—INP
Prolonged loadshedding protested Residents threaten to block Pak-Afgan Highway FARID UDDIN KHYBER AGENCY—A large
Elections in time: Faheem ISLAMABAD—Federal Minister for Commerce and Leader of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), Makhdoom Ameen Faheem on said that next general elections would be conducted on time. He said that Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) had formulated after fulfilling the constitutional procedure. He said that ECP would make the electoral process in a fair, free and transparent manner. Talking to a pri- MULTAN: Young Doctors holding a protest demonstration in favour of their demands at vate television channel, he said the ele- Nishtar Hospital. ments who were hatching conspiracy to delay the election process would be foiled in a befitting manner. He added that judiciary would also favour any democratic move towards smooth flow of system in the country. Faheem said that Opposition and other parties also have confidence on the Chief Election Commissioner and other members of ECP. He said that election date would be announced after the consultation of treasury and Opposition benches. Replying to a question, M ULTAN —Multan Electric facing a 5,000mw shortfall. he said that no one holds the authority including political Power Company (MEPCO), Asghar Baloch, Consumer ISLAMABAD—‘Josh Literary party to direct the ECP. He said that ECP is working indepen- in collaboration with the Outreach Officer USAID Foundation’ will observe the Distribution 21st death anniversary of dently in the country. The Government would support the USAID power distribution Power decision of ECP regarding time period for the scrutiny of the programme, launched an Programme, urged the farm- great revolutionary poet candidates preparing for next elections. He said that PPP al- outreach awareness cam- ers to avoid the extra use of Josh Malihabbadi on Februways rendered sacrifices for strengthening democracy in the paign on energy conserva- lights and added that they ary 22 to pay homage to the country. He said “It was first time in the history of Pakistan tion and reduce power theft could contact MEPCO’s toll services of the legendary that democratically elected government was going to com- for farmers in rural areas free number 0800-84330 in figure. Several ceremonies plete its constitutional tenure.” Earlier, Prime Minister’s Me- across south Punjab. An en- case of any information. including seminars, memodia Coordinator Khawaja Rizwan Alam said on Friday that the ergy conservation seminar Multan Electric Power Com- rial meetings and discussion general election would be held on time and PPP would foil was held at village Chah pany (MEPCO) imposed a forums will be organize to conspiracies to make the ECP controversial. In a statement Hamrajwala, Chak Basi, fine of over Rs 40 million on remember of great poet and issued here, he said that Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) would tehsil Mailsi district Vehari, hundreds of electricity pil- apprise the younger generacome to power again with the mandate of masses and on the which was attended by a ferers during the first six tion with different aspects of months of fiscal year 2012- his professional life and his basis of five years performance. Khawaja said that govern- large number of farmers. Additional Director 13. According to Mepco personality. Josh was born ment would ensure the establishment of caretaker set-up and holding the fair, free and transparent election by taking all Project Management Unit sources, checking and sur- on December 5, 1894 in political parties into confidence.—APP MEPCO, Khawaja veillance teams raided Malihabad Lucknow India, Aurangzaib, addressing the places and caught hundreds where he received his early PPP to win general polls: Saleem seminar, said the electricity of electricity pilferers and education and after that he senior Cambridge at F ATEH J ANG —State Minister for De- shortfall was a worldwide imposed over Rs 40 million did Aligarh University. —APP fense Sardar Saleem Haider said PPP- issue and the country was fine on them.—APP led government did its best for the provision of basic facilities to the common people of the country. Talking to APP here on Saturday, Sardar Saleem said despite financial constraints, PPP government provided funds worth Rs 5 billion for development of NA-59. Several development projects were completed and the re- BASHIR AHMAD RAHMANI dealers who were found sell- classes under the Punjab Goving spurious and substandard ernment Servants Benevolent maining will also be completed in the coming two months. He said that PPP will win the upcoming elections on the H A F I Z A B A D — A l - H a j fertiliser and pesticides to the Fund. The eligible students Yaseen growers and would take all have been directed to submit basis of its performance and friendly policies. Earlier, Muhammad Federal Minister for Regulation and Services Dr. Firdous Bhathaywala, Patron-in-Chief possible steps to protect the their application to the DisAshiq Awan has said that PPP government will com- Markazi Jamiat Ahle Hadith, interests of cultivators. While trict Benevolent Fund, plete its constitutional tenure despite conspiracies by Hafizabad Chapter, died here chairing the meeting of the Hafizabad, by February 28. ***** anti-democratic elements. Talking various delegations after brief illness. He was 85. District Task Force on Saturday she stressed the need for Mian Ansar Abbas Bhatti, He was nephew of late Mian at Kuba Chak on Friday she said that government is taking decisions in best national interests. Pakistan Fazal Haq, Chief of the taking all possible measures to ex-Tehsil Nazim Pindi Bhattian Peoples Party is nor responsible neither answerable for Markazi Jamiat Ahle Hadith ensure the supply of standard who, alongwith 20 officials, the present energy crisis as the mess was the result of Pakistan. His funeral prayer, fertiliser and pesticides to the was involved in the biggest poor policies of the previous regimes she said. The Min- led by Sheikh-ul-Hadith Hafiz cultivators. She directed offic- scam in the history of ister said the PPP government has formulated far-reach- Masood Alam of Jamia Salfia, ers of Agriculture Department Hafizabad district has dissoing policies for bringing the country out of energy crisis, Faisalabad, was attended by to launch crackdown on deal- ciated himself from PML (Q) adding that PPP believes in practical work and fulfill all a large number of provincial ers for eliminating the sale of and joined PML (N) to save his skin. Mian Ansar Abbas its promises. People would reject the political jugglers and central office-bearers of substandard commodities. ***** Bhatti, alongwith 8 other acwho are busy in hoodwinking the masses with glittering the Jamiat, social, political, reScholarships for the chil- cused had been declared Proslogans since long for their personal gains. Dr. Firdous ligious workers and businessdren of in-service/retired/de- claimed Offender by the Antifurther said that record development work including pro- men of Hafizabad. ceased/handicapped would Corruption Department. ***** vision of suigas and electricity had been provided in poAccording to sources, exDCO Hafizabad Farah be given to the students who litically neglected and down-trodden areas of the counhad obtained more than 60% Tehsil Nazim alongwith the Masood has declared that she try adding that it was PPP that had provided the facility would show zero tolerance to marks in Matric or higher then Tehsil Municipal Officin remote areas.—APP
MEPCO launches energy conservation drive
Josh’s 21st death anniversary on February 22
number of Shekekhwal residents staged a protest demonstration and chanted slogans against TESCO officials, local tribesmen said. The sources said residents including local transporters; shopkeepers and sportsmen came on the Pak-Afghan Road and chanted slogans against Landikotal grid station and administration officials. They were holding plac-
ards with the demands of restoration of power supply to the area which had paralysed life for the last two weeks. They threatened the administration officials that if the prolonged and unscheduled load shedding was not ended in 24 hours they would block Pak-Afgan Highway. Local administration officials rushed to the protesters and held dialogues with them. Later the protesters peacefully dispersed after the officials as-
sured them restoration of power supply. Meanwhile, unidentified militants reportedly fixed a bomb in the car under the seat of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam local leader Maulana Mohammad Omer Banori yesterday when he was returning to home in Mirdad Khel Shinwari area of Landikotal, Khyber Agency. Bomb Disposal Squad immediately rushed to the sight and deposed the bomb fixed under the seat of JUI-F local leader.
Four bodies found
Father, son gunned down near Governor House PESHAWAR—Armed motorcyclists on Saturday shot dead a father and his son and injured another at Sher Shah Soori Road here. According to police, the incident occurred near Governor House at Sher Shah Soori Road where two unknown assailants, riding a motorbike sprayed volley of bullets at a car and managed to flee the scene. As result of the firing a man identified as Saifullah died on-the-spot while two others sustained critical wounds and shifted to hospital. One of the injured named Yunas Baig died in hospital while condition of the other injured named Inamullah was out of danger. The deceased who be-
longed to Bhana Mari area were later identified as father and son. It is also reported that bodies of four persons shot dead by unknown killers were found early Saturday morning in Buddu Samar Bagh area on the outskirt of the district. According to police the bullet riddled bodies of four persons dumped in a deserted place at Buddu Samar Bagh were spotted by the area people who informed the police early this morning. Police said reason behind the
killing was still to be ascertained. The bodies were shifted to KTH morgue. The dead were later identified as Shah Nawaz, Mansoor, Misri Khan and Ashfaq. Sargodha: A man was gunned down over a property issue on Saturday. According to police, Muhammad Maqsood (55) of Chak 58 NB had a property dispute with his relatives. Accused Hamid along with armed accomplices shot dead Maqsood when he was at a shop on City Road and fled.—APP
Zero tolerance to spurious fertilizer sellers JAH patron-in-chief Yaseen passes away ers Bashir Zaidi and Waqas Hussain Kazmi, Cashier Azhar Hussain, Accountant Rana Muhammad Iqbal, Sub Engineers Fayyaz Chattha, Riaz Ahmad, Tanveer Irshad and Khalid Hussain, Contractors Babar Ghuman, Nasir Abbas, Rai Mansib and others had allegedly encashed Rs. 139.8 million through 573 cheques and misappropriated the government funds and subsequently a criminal case was registered against them after thorough inquiry against the allegations and three TMOs, three Sub Enigneers and six others had been arrested and the main accused (ex-Tehsil Nazim) and 8 others were declared Proclaimed Offenders, PESHAWAR: Injured man being shifted to Lady Reading Hoswho could not be arrested pital. Two persons were killed when unknown gunmen sprayed due to their political influence. bullets on a car on Sher Shah Suri Road near Governor House.
US Senators too disapprove drones
MEDIA WATCH
Drones beat the alternatives
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HE US administration has so far turned a deaf ear to strong pro tests in Pakistan against drone strikes that are not only killing inno cent people but also constitute violation of the country’s sovereignty. Now saner voices within the United States itself are questioning the logic of such target killings. A member of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee Bob Corker has rightly pointed out that the drone campaign is creating more terrorists than it is killing. This was not an isolated incident as protestors disrupted US Senate hearing on the nomination of John Brennan, who is widely considered to be the architect of the drone policy, as next CIA director describing him as war criminal. One of the protestor asked chair of the panel Dianne Feinstein are your children more important than the children of Pakistan and Yemen? Back in Pakistan, in a related development, Foreign Secretary Jalil Abbas Jilani told Senate Foreign Relations Committee that drone strikes are unacceptable but added that dialogue with the United States is the only way to address the issue. We have, however, observed that the United States is not listening to Pakistan on this issue, it did not listened when it should have during suspension of NATO supplies and there is no likelihood that it would do so in future as the US administration considers them as a legal and valid tool to eliminate targets. If the objective is to wipe out terrorists then Pakistan has repeatedly offered that either it should be provided intelligence to act against such targets or drone technology may be given to it to carry out strikes on its own on Pakistani territory. But all these fair demands are not finding any favour with Washington and there has been tremendous increase in such attacks in recent weeks. The policy is also bound to undermine the peace efforts both in Afghanistan and Pakistan as drone generate more resentment and reaction, meaning more terrorism and extremism. We hope that other saner voices in the US would join Senator Bob Corker and protestors in condemning drone attacks and forcing their Government to review the policy.
Weaponisation of Afghan Basti right in Capital T
HE operation to evacuate illegal occupants of Sector I-11 of the capi tal seems to be facing another hiccup as Islamabad administration is reluctant to provide necessary cooperation to the Capital Development Authority (CDA) for the purpose on the pretext of first clearing the area of criminals and weapons. This could effectively mean flouting of the directive of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Cabinet that had set deadline of February 11 for clearance of the sector where residential plots were allotted to low-paid employees about 23 years back. The settlement called ‘Afghan Basti’ in I-11 sector of Islamabad is misnomer as according to a recent survey only 141 out of 864 families are Afghan Refugees. There have been reports for the last several years that the settlement has been turned into a den of criminals and terrorists who carry out all sorts of criminal and terrorist activities in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad yet the authorities concerned have been sleeping over these reports. It is also criminal negligence on the part of the CDA to have ignored illegal construction in the heart of Islamabad and that too in a sector that has already been allotted to government employees. There is absolutely no justification to allow land-grabbers and criminals to occupy a sector and resort to pressure tactics to avoid evacuation. But one fails to understand what prevents Police, administration and CDA from moving firmly against them when representatives of the people are at their back. This also means that some vested interests are hampering the process and this should be taken notice of at the highest level. We are sure that cleansing of the I-11 would go a long way in addressing the problem of crime and terrorism in the twin cities and therefore, operation should be launched with full force without any delay as notices have repeatedly been issued to illegal occupants.
OIC’s support to IHK T
HE OIC at its Cairo summit has reaffirmed its support to the people of Indian held Kashmir for securing their right to self-determination. The joint communiqué issued at the end of the 12th summit, in addition to addressing other issues of concern to the Ummah, called upon India to allow a fact finding mission comprising representatives of OIC, human rights groups and humanitarian organisations to visit the territory to report on the ground situation. The OIC took notice of the situation at the right time because the Kashmiris are suffering all sorts of human rights violations including rapes of women, killing and arrest of youths and other repressive tactics by the Indian forces. We pay compliments to the worthy Secretary General of OIC Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu for his keen interest about the sufferings of Kashmiris. In fact during his tenure Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, an eminent intellectual, author and advocate of intercultural dialogue, took a number of initiatives to reactivate the OIC, the second largest inter governmental organisation after the United Nations. The OIC, which comprises 57 member states with a collective population of over 1.5 billion has immense potential to address critical issues like Palestine, Kashmir and others facing the Ummah. Ever since he took the office in January 2005, Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu initiated and supervised programmes for the protection and promotion of the written and the architectural heritage of Islamic civilization, contributed to scholarly debates on intercultural dialogues and earned recognition at intellectual circles as a leading contributor to rapprochement between cultures, particularly between the Muslim and Western worlds. We hope that during the remaining period, Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu would do his best to persuade the world to disapprove the State sponsored terrorism in IHK and help highlight the Kashmir issue at international forums.
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Can we do without World Bank? and the green revolution had to be activated for the poverty Dr Zafar Altaf in the comity of nations was something to be afraid off. Email:dr_altaf@hotmail.com India had Swaminathan and Pakistan had Bucha. What the WB did to persuade the five hy not is the first re or six developed states to provide sponse? Has the World funds for the technology was in Bank [WB] created terms of high value seeds, chemical more problems than it has solved. fertilizers and irrigation water. Dr. Yes is the short answer. I have met McNamara did so with telling effect. three WB Presidents and I can tell So a number of dam projects were you that they were genuinely in- started duly funded by the WB loans. volved in poverty alleviation. The Tarbella, Mangla came on board for one notable that I came to know Pakistan. Along with this the dread very well was Dr. McNamara. He and butter projects of the WB cam was not involved in cosmetics. The into being. Understandably the GDP trouble with all of them was what grew exponentially. Kala Bagh was Dr. McNamara himself used to say pushed back. The caveat that the WB that when he came to the WB I had knows best has to be discounted very to change the WB as an institution heavily. The jobs of the employees as it had stagnant rules and obso- of the WB are dependent on the lete knowledge. When I met him projects that they can sell in the he was a vigorous young-old man. country of jurisdiction. The basic faulty assumption was Open to suggestions and always tried to be fair. Probably his Viet- that if technology is provided as nam days wore heavily on him but mentioned here to fore the lives of that may be as it is for I watched the rural poor would illuminate. In him for over five years as a col- the early years no recourse was made league and I admired his ability to to efficient use of natural resources. own mistakes that he had commit- A number of the interventions were ted while acing as secretary De- ill advised. Pakistan’s worry was that fense of USA. It was he that asked the cost had to be borne by future me never to sit quiet in any meet- generation[s]. The main assumption ing when the going was tough. If was that intervention would encourcommitted he wanted me to take age investment and knowledge was action and do whatever it takes to given. Well knowledge was not be felt. This almost became my given. The means to obtain technology was through financial support. hallmark. What did happen was that he Various kinds of loans were prowas led up the garden path by so vided. The debt burden continued to called Agricultural technology grow on these developing countries. wizards? That poverty can be Loans were provided for such things eliminated through agriculture pro- as roads, water channels with the duction and at the same time food promise that productivity would security would be ensured. Borlaug grow by 40% each year. That did not had just come on board as messiah happen and the Water course pro-
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gram ended in fiasco. With one time great arraigned for corruption. The debt incurred by Pakistan was immense [The program continued for more than two decades] and the stated productivity in agriculture never came through. It was naïve to think that this would happen. As we later on proved that productivity is a complex phenomenon and the variables are many. It is almost impossible to manage all these variables. Water is just one. Chemical fertilizers were being touted around. These were meant for the increased demand of western inputs. These are now held to be toxic for the soils not to mention the pollution of the waters; so all in all the fast track policies failed. I could go on and on. The outcome of all this is that the WB is not a panacea for development and reducing the productivity of the soils. The worst thing that could happen to agriculture was the way the sector was used for increasing the forex reserves. Agriculture was never the contention in the WB loans. It was the forex that the projects brought. I did take umbrage wit the Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission namely A.G. N. Kazi and was told frankly that it was not for agriculture that the WB project has been accepted. Later on I had to have a show down with Shaukat Aziz over an ADB project that I refused to sign for it was blatantly a forex project and would have actually taken the country backwards. On return from Manila I was handed the transfer orders. Mt successor was only too pleased to spend ten days in ADB headquarters at Manila and that too for one signature. He did not even bother to read the document. The dotted line. That is what is wrong
with Pakistani bureaucracy. Where is Shaukat Aziz now? What a pity these are not cognizable offences otherwise both of them would have been incarcerated. So what use is the WB? Is it for development or is it for raising the demand structure of the western countries. Some of us used to play with the WB by suggesting that the projects that they had brought forth were dumb ones. That used to put them ill at ease for they were sent to sell the projects to us not as a favor [although they tried to show it as such] but as way of keeping their jobs going. No on from the WB is ever keen on leaving his job. It is too comfortable and lucrative. Yet they maintain themselves as alleviators of poverty. What a shame that they should misguide the world that has been robbed by these colonialists time after time centuries after centuries. And we lap up to them. We in the developing world should be ashamed of ourselves. I am very clear that the WB is not wanted. Recently one of the WB people was here. While in Pakistan he did what he did. His patronage was objected to and he had to go. Now he was back again on energy project as a consultant. Why did we accept him? Why cannot we put our own house in order? I can give you energy locals and water locals. No we must go to stagnant pools of the WB and their lobby groups in Pakistan, those that have taken benefits from them. It is the job of the leaders to see that equity is not fractured. The Prime Minister and the President trusted these persons and they failed them.
Revolution that lasted for 4 days Hamid Alvi Email: hamidalvipk@yahoo.com
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ne could say without fear of contradiction that the word revolution has been indiscriminately used by political leaders and the leftist Marxists theorists in the twentieth century. The deviation from original concept as enunciated by the French and American revolutions have been many and far-reaching. The situation was highlighted by the British philosopher CM Joad in his comment on Marxism saying that Marxism is a hat which has lost its shape because everyone tries to wear it. A large number of Asian countries, Pakistan included, flirted with Marxism and the accompanying idea of revolution as they moved from a colonial status to independent States. This include Jamal Abdul Nasir’s Arab socialism! ZA Bhutto’s Islamic socialism, Ahmad Sokhorno’s continued revolution and India’s parliamentary socialism. In Pakistan, the socialist movement, both literary and political, was ruthlessly suppressed by the ruling feudal elite in collaboration with religious orthodoxy and Western capitalism. However, the followers of socialism did not disappear from the scene altogether. True the party was banned but the individual workers continued to exist under fake titles and foreign patronage, while the secret services continued to harass the progressive writers, journalists and political workers, etc. Interestingly even in an atmosphere of freedom the world revolution remained anathema with the Pakistani political elite. Presently the public and the new generation of politicians are using the word revolution in order
to remove a corrupt government. Hence when Doctor, Professor, and Chief of a religious movement Minhajul Qur’an, arrived on the scene in January, the public starved of gas, water, electricity, fuel and the general supply of food grain, was ready to do anything to change the status quo. The man sounding like a brilliant Jamaat-e-Ahrar (now defunct) orator convinced the public in the Lahore rally that solution to their problem lies in a revolution, or by use of force to remove the present Government. The programme of revolution he declared would be a ‘long march’ from Lahore to Islamabad; and stay in Islamabad as long as the Government did not quit. Dr Qadri, it appeared from his plans had no clue of a revolution. This declared leader of Pakistani revolution commanded no troops; was not supported by an political organisation and was a complete loner. Still he was insisting that more than four hundred thousands citizens would participate in the ‘long march’. The turn out was estimated by neutral observer on the scene as not more than fifty thousands. As the political rallies go it was still regarded as impressive, but not big enough to chase the Government out of the capital city. Addressing a group of long marcher as he entered Islamabad city, Dr Qadri announced that at this point the long march had come to an end, and the revolution had commenced, his audience which respected him more as a divine figure than a twentieth century politician divided of spiritual and social values. If he was really concerned about the welfare of Pakistani citizens, it is asked, why did he abandoned them and settled in a non-Muslims country? Dr Qadri has observed complete silence on this question. There is no answer. He can’t be left scot-free however, and
must resolve the contradiction before claiming leadership of a Muslim nation. The use of word revolution is common and popular with the new generation of Pakistanis politicians. Historically it is based on the achievements of French revolution and supposed to lend prestige to the declarations of radical movements. According to a South Asian politicians ‘the French revolution was an amazing and ever chancing drama, full of extraordinary incidents that still fascinate us and horrify and thrill.’ Revolution as described by the Western political thinkers has its home in the field and street and the marketplace, and its methods are rough and coarse. Politics in a revolution cease to be the sport of wealthy and professional politicians. The maker of a revolution deal with realities and behind them are raw human nature and empty stomachs of the hungry. It was the makers of revolution in France during the fateful four years from 1789 to 1794, who forced the hands of politicians to make them abolish feudalism and privileges of Church. A historian of French revolution, describes the participants saying ‘it is conflict of the barefooted. These ragged, barefooted people who, with improvised arms, rush to defend their revolution on the battlefield, and drive back the trained armies of a Europe united against them.’These glimpses of French revolution makes one wonder how Mr Qadri who carries his fancy mobile, container home with him wherever he goes can endure the sufferings of a revolutionary in action. The experience of long march should make it clear to barefooted masses that their leaders perhaps have entirely different view of the revolution than of theirs. The revolution of Dr Tarhiul Qadri lasted for four days while the
French one, the original piece of mass rebellion, lasted for four years. The makers of revolution spent these four years in affecting the reforms, which radically changed the future history of France, one might say even that of whole of Europe. The long march and what Qadri called revolution tied to that, did not make any change in the conduct of government. Unlike the French revolution the hated class structure was not even touched. In his lengthy lectures (4 hours day one) Dr Qadri had repeatedly underlined that he had come to the capital to destroy the rule of thieves and robbers and vouched in the presence of thousands of citizens that he will not leave the place without fulfilment of what he stood for. Yet he left Islamabad empty handed, without giving any solace to those thousands who had waited for happy news for four days, had nowhere to go to get food and catch sleep, or to answer the call of nature. As if punished by the gods of revolution, they endured biting, cold of Islamabad, in the pouring rain under an open sky. Those who had come to the Capital to watch the glorious revolution returned home without achieving anything. The so-called agreement between Dr Qadri and Government of Pakistan has thus far failed to provide any comfort to citizens in the vital sector of energy etc. They continue to suffer hardships as they go to fetch edible from the market. The revolution, it seems been highjacked by the forces of reaction. Many believe that those who made call for revolution were in league with anti-people forces. The barefooted man has been betrayed again. —The writer is a freelance columnist.
he US drone strikes that tar get suspected terrorists abroad come with risks: They can kill innocent civilians. They violate the sovereignty of other nations and can turn people there against the United States. They grant unreviewed power to the president to assassinate anyone he determines is a terrorist leader abroad, including American citizens. And, as the demonstrators who repeatedly interrupted Thursday’s confirmation hearing for CIA director nominee John Brennan showed, the strikes raise knotty questions about whether a program of remotecontrol warfare and assassination squares with US values. But for all the controversy, the drone attacks have this going for them: They are effective, and the other options are worse. President Obama has dramatically expanded the use of drones, ordering more than 360 strikes, up from roughly 50 during the Bush administration. These strikes have significantly weakened al-Qaeda in Pakistan and Afghanistan. The administration is following a similar model by intensifying drone attacks against alQaeda offshoots in Yemen and Somalia. This is messy. But what are the other options? Leave terrorists alone, free to operate from havens abroad? The foolishness of that approach was exposed by the 9/11 attacks, planned at well-known alQaeda bases in Afghanistan. Use American ground troops to root them out? The price is needless casualties, higher risk of failure and equal likelihood of alienating local populations. Employ conventional airstrikes? These are less precise and far more dangerous to foreign civilians. Although drones kill civilians, the “collateral damage” rate has dropped from more than 50% during the Bush administration to about 10% now, according to the New America Foundation. Because of their successes, drone strikes have proved popular here at home and won bipartisan political support. But the fact that the targeted killing program is effective and popular is no excuse for not making it more transparent or subjecting it to the sort of checks that are common in a democracy. The drone program has long operated in a sort of gray zone, widely known but with its details rarely acknowledged or explained by the White House. Secrecy has been especially intense surrounding the strikes that killed three US citizens, including Anwar alAwlaki, a New Mexico-born man who became an al-Qaeda leader in Yemen and who authorities said organized several attempts to kill Americans. A 16-page legal memo, leaked days before Brennan’s confirmation hearing, makes a reasonable case for targeting the tiny number of Americans such as al-Awlaki who have joined forces with the enemy. The memo limits targeted assassinations to “a senior operational leader” of al-Qaeda, or one of its affiliates, outside the United States who pose an imminent threat and can’t be captured. The memo also falls short in rejecting any role for judicial oversight, on the grounds that there’s “no appropriate judicial forum” for evaluating the issues. Perhaps not, and courts shouldn’t be injected into battlefield decision-making. But an appropriate forum is easy to create. The Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) court, for instance, grants warrants — sometimes on an emergency basis — for wiretaps that would otherwise be impractically difficult to obtain. Is wiretapping a citizen worse than killing him? A similar court could review kill lists of Americans in non-imminent situations. The idea is “certainly worthy of discussion,” Brennan allowed Thursday, and Senate Intelligence Committee Chair Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., said she’ll introduce legislation to create a FISA-like court to oversee targeted killings. That could go a long way toward calming fears about future abuse. But for the moment, as Brennan reminded the panel, the United States remains “at war with al-Qaeda and its associated forces,” which “still seek to carry out deadly strikes against our homeland and our citizens.” As long as that remains the case, the drones should keep flying. — USA Today
Poverty and oysters always seem to go together. Charles Dickens —British novelist
Free and fair polls possible liament recorded their complaints with the ECP in the last by-elecRizwan Ghani tions but the Election Commissioner (EC) failed to act on their Email:sadcat44@hotmail.com (written) complaints. The U-turn of EC on implementation of Supreme Court orders on constituhe law does not stop reconsti ency de-limitation and eyewash of tution of election commission voter list verification in Karachi and to hold free and fair elections. allowing recruitment despite ban has Since serious observations have been raised serious questions about the raised about violations of the laid ECP. The Supreme Court has already down constitutional criteria for select- observed that transparent polls are not ing members of the Election Com- possible in Karachi. mission of Pakistan (ECP) therefore The ECP should be held accountthere is no legal basis to use law to able for failing to fulfill its constituprotect the violations of the consti- tional obligations. It is duty of the tution in selecting members of the ECP to maintain and update voter ECP. The debate of restricting inter- lists, tax record of the lawmakers as pretation of Constitution to its text part of democratic, legal and public is flawed. The spirit of our Consti- accountability. It failed to update tution is there to protect rule of law voter lists on one pretext or the other and law alone. Public widely be- despite Supreme Court judgments lieves that the politicians under- and repeated reminders. It is opined mined the efficacy of ECP to avoid that the delay was part of collusion scrutiny, protect their immoral prac- on part of all concerned including tices, corruption, tax frauds, money ECP and NADRA so that corrupt laundering, fake degrees, dual na- government could complete its term tionalities and nepotism. in the office as part of the NRO deal. The ECP failed to uphold law. It It was a crime against the Constituis media spin that objections against tion, the parliamentary form of deECP is an attempt to delay the elec- mocracy and the state. tions. The fact of the matter is govThe collusion against the voter ernment was given sufficient time to lists as per their Constitutional and improve the working of ECP but it democratic responsibility. A judicial used the time to undermine the sys- inquiry merits to be ordered to bring tem to avoid constitutional checks for to book all those who were responeligibility of candidates and holding sible for failing to perform their leof free and fair elections. Political gal, constitutional, and administrative parties in Parliament and outside Par- responsibilities in terms of voter list
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that led to compromising the ECP, democracy and writ of the state. Democracy is being used to undermine free and fair elections. The reports of brief restoration of Balochistan assembly to nominate interim chief minister show abuse of democratic system. It is opined that main coalition partner of Sindh government is moving to opposition in Sindh Assembly so that it can facilitate election of interim chief minister. It explains why there was no opposition leader in the Sindh Assembly. As per the law, the leader of the house and the leader of opposition propose names for interim setup including CM. The other provinces are using differences in the dates for dissolution of their assemblies for holding general elections on same date as bargaining chip to bring their handpicked interim setups. The free and fair elections will be a farce if politicians get their way. President is first citizen of Pakistan then president so he or she has to uphold and respect law to be eligible to other Constitutional protections including office of the president. But by refusing to respect the apolitical nature of the office of the president, he has challenged the very Constitution that allows him to occupy office of president in the first place. Under the Sharia based Constitution of Pakistan, all citizens are equal before law and no office holder is above the law. The very Constitution that allows president to occupy the office also empowers judiciary to uphold
the law without fear and favor. Judiciary is also superior in trichotomy of power due to its fundamental rights to interpret law and scrapping illegal laws under its powers of judicial review. In Marbury v. Madison (1803) US President Jefferson respected court judgment for the fear of losing legitimacy of ruling the country. The judiciary and establishment can conduct elections. The demands for removal of governors, important secretaries, NADRA head, police heads show that the standoff on interim setups, ECP, and neutral administration will further deepen. Based on media reports, 70 percent politicians could become ineligible if there is genuine scrutiny. It explains standoff on interim setups, ECP and challenge of holding free and fair election. The past record of the government and present standoff with judiciary shows that it will use one pretext or other to delay elections. The support of public for court judgments, EC request for deployment of army for verification of voter lists, deployment in polling stations on Election Day and court petitions for re-constitution of EC as per the Constitution show that public have faith in state institutions. It would be therefore logical to bring judiciary as caretaker setup and armed forces can help it to hold free and fair elections as per the schedule.
Success of governance system Any type of governance system of any state’s ideology never fails except for the reasons of bad steering. Any system including democracy will collapse as a result of incompetent steering. In presence of honest competent and experienced leadership, any system of governance will be successful and fruitful. Proper steering systems of Communism, Socialism, Secularism, Democracy and Islam are bringing progress and prosperity for China, North Korea, Arab States, India, European States, Fareast, North / South American countries, Saudi Arabia and Iran. Democracy is worstly failing in Pakistan and so many other countries. State of Pakistan was procured at exceptional high costs of lives, honours and properties, in scissoring a compact unit territory of people who not only love it but also worship it like a Devi. ‘A separate homeland for Muslims’ was heading of entire independence movement. The demand and struggle for demand were not at all spontaneous and
Malik M Ashraf Email: ashpak10@gmail.com
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very independent nation / state, howsoever old or new, exists on foundation of an ideology which is the mark of its identity and integrity. Citizens’ loyalty to the ideology endorses loyalty to the nation as whole. Mere writing and singing of poetry and making poetic speeches in love for motherland is never patriotism. Individuals and groups not loyal to states’ ideology, bear doubtful conduct. Anti ideology persons and groups in a state can become subversive against the nation serving it trivial or serious setbacks. Loyal citizens belong to all faiths and all schools of thought with determination for contributions to states’ welfare. On the other hand dissidents waste their energies merely in words and speeches with no record of any contribution or sacrifice for the nation. Dissidents’ lip homage activities are shock for veterans of the state.
abrupt idea and it was not the struggle of single person even. Whole of top Muslims politicians, highly educated persons, religious leaders and Muslims in India, struggled for thirty years period to convince the Indian leaders and British occupants for creation of Muslim State of Pakistan out of the territory of India. Some people very wrongly think that creation of the state of Pakistan was based on hatred for Hindu majority. This assumption is the result of lack of proper knowledge. How can a true Muslim hate other human beings? True Muslims are followers of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) who always showed wholehearted respect for even his enemies and never hated anybody in life. How a state procured for Muslims will imitate any imported system of governance when explicit Islamic constitutional instructions exist in Muslims’ Holy Book. Peace, stability, progress and development are dominant in all corners of these states. Similar is the situation in
Vatican where religious atmosphere prevails. Before 1947, ‘State for Muslims’ was the subject of conversation in the streets and homes and was the subject of discussions and speeches of every leader and worker of Muslim league. With 3 to 5 percent literacy and little approach to world affairs, did the masses know anything about Communism, Socialism, Secularism and even genuine Democracy? What they knew to die for was Muslim State and Islam. Repeatedly referring the case of governance in Pakistan to Quid-eAzam M. A. Jinnah by split hair analyses of his speeches, carries ill motives. It is exclusive right of the martyrs of independence struggle to answer this question. There ever lasting voices eternally in Pakistani atmosphere, have the answer. These voices will certainly speak of the fundamentals that had been presented to them for achieving their support and consent. What they heard ––– ‘State for Muslims’ ––– was the actual reality. Everything else is concocted interpretations.
Views From Abroad
Intervene in Syria Roger Cohen
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yria, for Israel, is a conun drum. The ousting of its des potic ruler, Bashar al-Assad, would remove Iran’s sole Arab ally and cut the Iranian conduit to its Lebanese proxy, Hezbollah. That is in Israel’s strategic interest. On the other hand Israel does not relish post-Assad chaos in Syria that allows sophisticated weaponry to fall into the hands of Al Qaeda splinter groups that love a vacuum and loathe Jews. So it was interesting to hear Israel’s outgoing defence minister, Ehud Barak, speak in favour of Assad’s departure at the Munich Security Conference, saying he hoped to see it happen “imminently.” No option on Syria at this stage of its unravelling is without significant risk. But the worst course is the one President Obama and Western leaders have fallen into: Feeble paralysis most foul. Israel has just bombed a Syrian convoy of antiaircraft weapons in a sortie that also hit a weapons re-
search centre — with no response from Assad beyond a belated grumble that this was “destabilizing” (that process seems advanced already). Just how much of a paper tiger Assad has become is one question raised by this attack. Another is whether the Western use of force will inevitably provoke a strong Syrian riposte; it seems not. Syria, 22 months into its uprising, presents an unconscionable picture. Lakhdar Brahimi, the United Nations special representative for Syria, summed up the disaster in a leaked report to the Security Council on Jan. 29. He spoke of “cities that look like Berlin in 1945.” He decried the 60,000 killed, the massacres, the 700,000 refugees (rising to one million in a few months), the more than two million internally displaced and the tens of thousands of detainees. He warned of neighbours including Jordan and Lebanon collapsing under a further flood of refugees. I agree with Brahimi that there is no military solution. Syria, with its mosaic of faiths and ethnicities,
requires political compromise to survive. That is the endgame. But this does not mean there is no military action that can advance the desired political result by bolstering the armed capacity of the Syrian opposition, levelling the military playing field, and hastening the departure of Assad essential for the birth of a new Syria. Assad the Alawite will not go until the balance of power is decisively against him. The United States does not want to get dragged into another intractable Middle Eastern conflict. Americans are tired of war. My colleagues Michael Gordon and Mark Landler have revealed how Obama blocked an attempt last summer by Hillary Clinton to train and supply weapons to selected Syrian rebel groups. Nor does Obama want to find himself in the business of helping Islamist extremists inherit a Syrian vacuum. The opposition coalition is divided and lacks credibility. But the net result of these concerns cannot be feckless drift as Syria burns. Senator John McCain was right to say here that, “We should
be ashamed of our collective failure to come to the aid of the Syrian people” and to answer a question about how to break the impasse with two words: “American leadership.” An inflection point has been reached. Inaction spurs the progressive radicalisation of Syria, the further disintegration of the state, the intensification of Assad’s mass killings, and the chances of the conflict spilling out of Syria in sectarian mayhem. It squanders an opportunity to weaken Iran. This is not in the West’s interest. The agreement that Assad has to go is broad; a tacit understanding that it is inevitable exists in Moscow. The Turkish foreign minister, Ahmet Davutoglu, spluttered in justified incredulity at the notion the opposition would sit down with a regime that has slaughtered its own. It is time to alter the Syrian balance of power enough to give political compromise a chance and Assad no option but departure. That means an aggressive program to train and arm the Free Syrian Army. —Courtesy: The New York Times
A zoo story..!
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s usual it will take at least five years for the revamp to be complete. Five years from now I will walk to the zoo, with a very excited child who has been pestering me to see the creatures inside. I also have yearned secretly to see the exotic animals many kind citizens I’ve heard have donated to the zoo: “Uncle that is a very strange animal, isn’t it?” says the little child as she holds my hand a little tighter,
“What does the sign say?” “This,” I read, “is an exotic animal from an ashram, which is supposed to have said, that women being raped should call rapists their brothers and mutter mantras as they are being assaulted!” “It is being attacked continuously by all the other animals,” says the little child. We go a little farther, and the child in me makes me run to a cage where a tall animal wearing khaki shorts is running wild. “What exotic animal is this uncle?” “Retarded senile species,” I read. “There’s something else written underneath,” exclaims the little child as I put on my glasses, “It’s written that this animal was donated to the zoo, by it’s wife and all the women of India as it never
kept it’s contract!” I tell her. “I wonder what was written in the contract!” whispers the little girl as she prances away and I look at the animal in it’s fancy khaki shorts, as it begs me to let it out, “Stay there,” I tell it firmly, “You are safer inside than outside where you will be eaten alive by the women of the country for your silly words!” The little child who had been prancing around all over the zoo, comes running back to me, “There are two big enclosures over there with lots of animals in both of them! What are they?” “Exotic animals called policemen who had only one aim, to make money, and nothing else, they were caught and put in here!” “It’s a very crowded enclosure!” said the
Voice of the People Financial accountability of IB ASGHAR MAHMOOD
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his is correct that the Intelligence Bureau of Pakistan is not a notified Division of Government of Pakistan like other Divisions, however, its Chief has always enjoyed a unique position in the administrative hierarchy of the Government, especially those handpicked by political bosses. In the recent past, Brigadier Ejaz Shah was very close to President Pervez Musharraf, Major Masood Sharif was close to Shaheed Benazir Bhutto and Brigadier Imtiaz was Mian Nawaz Sharif’s man. Wing Commander Lodhi was a stop gap arrangement made by Mr. Gilani. The present DG, a PSP officer is a low profile IB Chief. There is a widespread misunderstanding that IB enjoys autonomy in financial matters. This is not correct; the fact is that for oversight and financial accoutability, Secretary Cabinet Division has been notified as the Principal Acconting Officer for the Intelligence Bureau by the government and all expenditures of the Bureau have to be scrutinised by the Financial Advisor, Cabinet Division. The Bureau can not spend a penny without sanction of the Competent authority in the Finance Division. Rules do not give any control to the Prime Minister over funds of the Bureau. —Islamabad
Kachnar park enchroachment KHALID IDREES At the southern end of Kachnar Park which is adjacent to Sector I- 8 on Islamabad Highway there exist a small mosque. Until a couple of years ago it was a very small structure but since then it has become not only bigger in size but also appears quite organized. A few yards to the north of this mosque a barbed wire enclosure has been created in the last week or so. There is no sign board outside it to indicate the purpose for which this enclosure is being put up. Through this newspaper I would request CDA administration to check whether or not everything is legal and proper about the enclosure that is being developed in Kachnar Park. Illegal structures on CDA land if not removed in time have a tendency to become permanent on account of a vested interest having been created. As it is, in Islamabad we have already lost so much of green area and open spaces due to negligence and apathy of authorities. Any addition to this loss especially losing a portion of a developed park would be criminal. CDA needs to be quick about doing the needful in this regard. —Islamabad
Saving green hills MOHSIN TAHIR During a recent hiking adventure at the Margalla hills in Islamabad, I spotted numerous people who were busy picking up empty biscuit packs, juice boxes and other waste materials thrown on the hiking treks by careless daily visitors. What caught my attention was that they were obviously not the designated garbage collectors wearing the markings of the CDA. On enquiry, I found out they were employees of Mobilink and were volunteers calling themselves the Mobilink Foundation Torchbearers. It was only as a result of their efforts that I realized how much waste was actually lying around the area. Despite availability of waste bins people have a tendency to throw trash without realizing what this could do to the environment. I know that a cleaning activity from a couple of dozen volunteers cannot clear the hills off trash, however the bigger message was in the action itself. At least I pledged to myself not to littler again. But these people were actually making a contribution towards reviving the picturesque image of these hills in their own way. I was instantly driven towards joining these friends of nature, and spent a couple of hours helping them. It is surely beyond the capacity of the government alone to conduct regular cleaning of the green forests and mountainous terrains. Every Pakistani needs to realize his duty and play an active role in keeping the country clean and green. Similarly, the corporate sector - so I sawcan also contribute towards maintaining the freshness of our atmosphere and beauty of our scenery by keeping the vegetation and forests free of trash and other pollutants. —Rawalpindi
Karachi literary festival JAWED AHMED KHURSHEED
little girl. “Not as crowded as this one,” I say looking at the second enclosure. “Strange birds uncle with white topis and khadi dhotis!” “Political Birds!” read the caption, “These exotic birds once ruled the country, and were easily caught one by one as citizens became more educated and these birds more corrupt!” The little child catches my hand and looks at all the cages and enclosures with the animals and birds running, growling and squawking around, “Uncle the country was a dangerous place wasn’t it, when these exotic creatures roamed free?” “Yes,” I say with a shudder, “It was..!” —Email:bobsbanter@gmail.com
Since the headlines have been hitting prominently the page of Urdu and English newspapers about the 4th Karachi Literary Festival-2013 scheduled to be held from 15-17 this month, I have also been curious to know its details of programmes as I can neither afford participating all three days of the festival nor do I stay there entire day to see what is going to happen next that interests me. There would be plenty of activities planned there to provide its audience an opportunity to hear for what the known critics would share their insights. To know what programmes are going to be held particularly with reference to fiction writers, I have found nothing even at the website
of Karachi Literary Festival [www.karachiliteraturefestival.org]. There is some information displayed on the website about the first days of the KLF which is insufficient with respect to the programmes of the entire day let alone getting the information of the programmes of rest of the days. The visitors of the website can only see that it is going to update it soon. The Oxford University Press is an organized publisher in Pakistan. One cannot hope the way the webportal of the KLF is being maintained. Let me share an example of the recently held literary festival in Karachi by the Karachi Arts Council which provided its visitors the detail of programmes which had eased its audience to participate some of the pragrammes they were hoping for as everyone cannot afford participating in the activities planned for the children. I visited the web portal in the evening of 8th February 2012 but the details of the programmes are still missing. I hope that the organizers of the KLF would show the details of its programmes within a day of so, so that the participants could spare their times well before to see the writers, critics and researchers speaking. There are plenty of people who don’t visit such cites but are willing to participate such festival can also be informed by those who visit these web sites. This can only happen if the organizers update the sites in the real manners. I have shared with some of my friends who are really literature lovers and keen to visit such festival where critics of fiction share their ideas and experiences, but all of them are really selective to visit the KLF on such timings when they would be able to see what actually interests them. —Karachi
Let women join Police MUHAMMAD UZAIR NIAZI The violence against women in Pakistan is a foremost dilemma. This problem is mounting very rapidly within our society, and as a result the social fragment is getting more and more distorted. Women in Pakistan constitute 51% of the population, and if they are positively guided then they can play an active role in the development of the country. Women at present are linked with different professions, and are playing an active role in different social spheres. An educated and empowered woman has the capacity to change the course of the history by uplifting our upcoming generations. Women in Pakistan are mostly attached to some typical professions, which are being narrated by the family and the society like teaching, banking, doctors etc. We have to break this old mindset, and must step forward. The term women policing is not new to the world, but for us this is new area where we have focus excessively. The results’ coming from different surveys reveals that at present only 1% women are the part of police department in Pakistan. The 51% women in Pakistan are only having a minimal participation of 1% in the police department. These results are quite alarming, and it is very important to navigate in a direction where we can create new avenues of growth and empowerment for the women of Pakistan. The present representation of women in police is very low, and this is really important to increase this low percentage. Women in Pakistan are having the tendency to contribute properly to their state and society, so it is important to open doors of new opportunities for them. Those women who are representing the police department in Pakistan must be brought in to a mainstream, so that they can become role models for our educated women. Women police officers in Pakistan are not equipped with powers to make self-governing decisions. This active participation of women has paved the path for the educated women of Pakistan, to join different professions and excel in the right direction. The police department in Pakistan has always a lot of criticism from the society, due to different reasons. The police system in Pakistan is still working with a command and control model, where the males are
dominating the overall structure. The police system needs a grim attention in order to accommodate the educated women in this department. The present structure of police department is not providing a level playing field where more educated women can be inducted. This lack of empowerment is a great hurdle in front of women police officers where they are not in a position to execute different actions. At present it is very important that the educated women of our society must be facilitated, in order to join the department of police. This facilitation will help in portraying a positive future for our coming generations, and providing a safe end to our women in society. —Via email
Peace in Syria SYED HASHMI The statement from Syrian National Council’s new chief, Moaz AlKhatib that he was prepared to negotiate with Bashar al-Assad’s government is a welcome change from the previous stand of the organization: that of ruling out any negotiations with the government while Bashar was in the saddle. He is still not willing to talk directly with Bashar al-Assad’s but wants him to authorize his vice President to conduct the negotiations. He has also placed some demands like that of release of about 160,000 persons detained by the government as well as renewal by the Syrian embassies of passports of those in exile. Fortunately, President Bashar al-Assad, too, has signaled his desire to negotiate, though not with the National Coalition, which he says backs armed rebellion. However, since neither of the two parties is really in commanding position now, with a nudge here and a shove there, it is possible to bring them closer and to get the negotiations started. Despite being deceived many times, and seeing what is happening all around them, our Syrian brothers still made the mistake of believing that the western community, which is their main supplier of arms, was motivated by noble sentiments of freeing them from the harsh dictatorship of Al-Assad family. Unfortunately, it did not occur to them that after neutralizing Saddam Hussain’s Iraq, a strong opponent of Israel, Syria would be their next logical target, with Iran and Pakistan to follow. They should have realized that the western countries would not seek quick overthrow of the Syrian regime, and would much prefer for both sides to devastate and exhaust each other as much as possible, with no side gaining an upper hand, and the country turned into rubble. This was necessary to ensure that when the revolution succeeded, the victors would have been sufficiently weakened, not posing even the slightest of challenge to Israel. Remember, at one time, Israel had recommended intervention by foreign forces, not from the west but from Arab countries, with a view to involving them all in fighting each other, with Israel sitting comfortably, enjoying all this. Surprisingly, our Muslim states are quite capable of doing that and had it not been firm opposition from Russia, they would have done that by now. With a possibility of peace in Syria, I hope Russia, China, Iran, Turkey, OIC, and and other countries and organizations who have influence with the warring sides in Syria will use it to persuade, even to pressure the combatants to come to a negotiated settlement, and avoid further death, destruction and suffering. . With the plight of Iraq and Iraqis and their former rulers already before them, just why do the people in Syria insist on a repeat of the act. Doesn’t make sense to me. —Via email
READERS are requested to type their letters legibly with double spacing and only on one side of the paper.
—Editor Email:editorial@pakobserver.net
The Engine of World Economic Shifts to Asia-Pacific fighting? Where do you see Afghanistan in say the next five to ten years? International headlines on Afghanistan, which primarily focus on security incidents and fatalities, make it easy to forget what has been achieved since the international community became involved there following the events of
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place, and there is a thriving civil society not seen in Afghanistan for a generation. Despite ongoing challenges, millions of Afghans now enjoy human rights they were denied by the Taliban. In short, quality of life for ordinary Afghans has significantly improved. While New Zealand, which has been
nations, the toll is much higher. Those sacrifices have not been in vain. Yes, significant challenges remain. But it is important to remember just how far Afghanistan has come since 2001, and what has been achieved. Challenges remain, but we believe that with good leadership, transparency and account-
HE Interview: New Zealand’s Prime Minister John Key. “For the first time in New Zealand’s history, the engine of world economic activity has shifted to our geographic region, the Asia-Pacific.” The As an original member of the TPP, is New Zealand happy with the progress these talks have Diplomat’s Zachary Keck spoke with New Zealand’s Prime Minister John Key concerning been making? Will the TPP be your focus moving forward or do you intend to concentrate on connuclear security, Afghanistan, relations with the cluding new bilateral FTAs like the one you’ve discussed with South Korea? United States and China as well as the Trans Pacific Partnership. New Zealand is often seen as ability, the Afghan Government should be able to “punching above its weight”. One area where this 11 September 2001. The truth is that Afghanistan present in Bamyan Province for ten years, will be sustain the gains of the last ten years. The internais certainly true is on nuclear non-proliferation is- has made tremendous progress over the past eleven withdrawing our PRT in April, we leave a lasting sues. What are some of the things your govern- years. Most importantly, the country is no longer a legacy. In the Hazarajat region, which includes tional community, including New Zealand, will continue to do what it can to support these efforts, but ment has been doing as part of nuclear security ultimately Afghanistan’s fate rests with its people. summits, and do you anticipate a future for this A major hallmark of New Zealand’s foreign forum after the initial four years are over in 2014? policy under your leadership has been enhancing New Zealanders are proud of this country’s long your country’s strategic partnership with the U.S. record of advocacy on nuclear disarmament, and through the signing of the Wellington and Washour strong support for the vision of a nuclearington Declarations in 2010 and 2012 respectively. weapon-free world. New Zealand views nuclear In what ways have these agreements expanded strasecurity as part of our broader and longstanding tegic and defense cooperation between the two councommitment to nuclear disarmament and non-protries and what are the primary goals of the bilateral liferation. relationship moving forward? The relationship beWe contribute regularly to the International tween New Zealand and the United States has never Atomic Energy Agency’s Nuclear Security Fund. been better. We are an active member of the Global Initiative As a result of the Wellington Declaration, signed to Combat Nuclear Terrorism and we funded a on the occasion of Secretary Clinton’s visit to New workshop by the World Institute for Nuclear SecuZealand in 2010, there has been a substantial inrity on securing radioactive sources in South East crease in the number of Ministerial and senior offiAsia in early 2012. Since 2004 we have provided cials meetings, including my own visit to the White over NZ$6 million towards G8 Global Partnership House in 2011. We are cooperating on practical projects aimed particularly at securing nuclear projects in the Pacific, including unexploded ordimaterials in the former Soviet Union. The Nuclear nance and maritime surveillance, and providing huSecurity Summit process has been useful to focus manitarian and civic assistance to Pacific commuhigh-level international attention on this important nities. I was particularly delighted that Secretary issue and to build an international consensus on Clinton attended the Post Forum Dialogue in the the steps needed to combat the threat posed by unCook Islands in 2012 – the first time a U.S. Secresecured nuclear material. It’s not yet clear what tary of State has attended such an important regional the future of the process will be but we hope that it ......Asia to be pivot.... event. I would like to personally acknowledge the will lead in time to a more coherent international nuclear security framework and a strengthened role haven for international terrorists. Al Qaeda, a sub- Bamyan, 84% of people in last year’s Asia Founda- role Hillary Clinton played in transforming the restantial threat to international security in 2001 and tion survey said that they rarely or never fear for lationship between our two countries. She is a great for the International Atomic Energy Agency. friend of New Zealand and a powerful advocate for You have said that the most difficult decision the reason for our initial military involvement, has their own or family’s safety. The PRT has also di-
This growth is remarkable given the context of the global economic crisis. During my visit to China in 2010, Premier Wen Jiabao and I agreed on the goal of doubling two-way trade to $20 billion by 2015. We remain broadly on track to reach this goal, with two-way trade in the year to September 2012 increasing by 8.2 percent to $14.16 billion – up 66% on the levels in 2008 when the FTA entered into force. in your tenure as Prime Minister was recommitting troops to Afghanistan. Then, in announcing an accelerated drawdown of troops stationed in Bamiyan Province last August, you noted the new date of withdrawal was needed to airlift the troops out of the area in light of the dangers of traveling to Kabul by road. With the U.S. and other NATOled ISAF forces now also accelerating their drawdown, do you still believe the war has been worth
been significantly weakened and largely driven from Afghanistan. Furthermore, with the assistance of the ISAF coalition, the Afghanistan National Security Forces are becoming increasingly capable of continuing the fight against the Taliban after the ISAF mission concludes next year. Thanks in part to international efforts, Afghanistan also now has a functioning, albeit Afghan-style, representative democracy. State institutions are in
rectly contributed to an increase in local capacity and quality of life. New Zealand’s role was gratefully acknowledged by the leadership and people of Bamyan during my visit to the province in May 2010. These gains in Bamyan and across the country as a whole have not come without cost. New Zealand has had ten fatalities since it began its involvement in Afghanistan; for many other ISAF
Iraq’s return to bloodshed KIMBERLY KAGAN, FREDERICK W KAGAN
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tutional crisis and as an expanding ArabKurd conflict has become increasingly militarized. Iraqi President Jalal Talabani was incapacitated by a stroke on Dec.?17 and has been out of the countryfor treatment. Iraq’s constitution specifies a line of succession but with one vice president in exile and the other a Shiite and obvious Maliki proxy, Iraq has been, in effect, operating without a president. Political processes that require presidential involvement have been paralyzed, including moving forward with long-standing efforts by Sunnis and Kurds to hold a
speaker Osama al-Nujaifiand Anbari tribal leader Ahmed abu Rishaannounced their intention to form their own coalition. In short, Iraqi politics was re-fragmenting along sectarian and ethnic lines even before the protests began. Understood in this context, the Iraqi army’s killing of protesters in Fallujah last month is a watershed event similar to the destruction of the Askariya shrine in Samarra in February 2006, though the crisis will not escalate as quickly. Sunni-Shiite tensions have hitherto played out in political forums. The key actors in today’s crisis are not the Sunni political leaders but,
IGHTEEN days of protests in Egypt in 2011 electrified the world. But more than twice that many days of protest in Iraq have gone almost unnoticed in the United States. Iraqi army troops killed five Sunni protesters in Fallujah on Jan. 25, after a month of anti-government protests in Anbar, Nineveh and Salahuddin provinces and elsewhere for which thousands turned out. Al-Qaeda in Iraq and Iranian-backed Shiite militias are re-mobilizing. Iraq teeters on the brink of But circumstances have changed with the withrenewed insurgency and, potentially, civil war. This crisis matters for America. U.S. drawal of all U.S. forces and Maliki’s year-long efforts to vital interests that have been undermined intimidate his opponents through political, judicial and over the past year include preventing Iraq military maneuvers. from becoming a haven for al-Qaeda and destabilizing the region by becoming a security vacuum or a dictatorship that inflames parliamentary vote of no-confidence in rather, Anbari tribal leaders, including Ali sectarian civil war; containing Iranian in- Maliki. Talabani had been the critical link Hatem Ali Suleiman, one of the most powfluence in the region; and ensuring the free holding Baghdad and Kurdistan together erful leaders of Iraq’s largest Sunni tribe. since tensions rose following a 10-day stand- Suleiman and fellow leaders of the Dulaim flow of oil to the global market. While tensions have risen over the past off between Iraqi army units and Kurdish tribe were essential to engineering the two years, the triggers for recent eruptions pesh merga troops in October, after Maliki Anbar Awakening in 2007 and Sunni parare clear. Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, a sent the army toward the disputed city of ticipation in the government, for which they Shiite, had the bodyguards of Finance Min- Kirkuk. That move followed a series of skir- rejected al-Qaeda in Iraq and renounced ister Rafie al-Issawi, who is Sunni, arrested mishes and mobilizations along the “Green violence against the state. They responded for alleged terrorist activities on Dec. 20 Line” separating Kurdistan from Arab Iraq to the killings of protesters last month by almost exactly one year after he ordered the and a series of attacks in the area by al-Qaeda threatening open war against the state for the first time since 2007. So far at least, they have restrained protesters and resisted violent confrontation. For his part, Maliki has sought to deescalate the conflict and to mollify protesters. Tehran has also been working to persuade Iraq’s Sadrists, whom Maliki has alienated in his consolidation of power, to abandon their support for their Sunni brethren. Their combined efforts appear to be working: The Sadrist Bloc, which had refused Maliki’s request for suggestions to replace Issawi and other Sunni politicians, has put forth a substitute finance minister. These efforts, ostensibly toward political resolution, actually increase the likelihood of sectarian war by continuing the marginalization of Sunni political leaders without addressing Sunni tribes’ core grievances and by re-creating a Shiite front that had splintered. Al-Qaeda in Iraq has already taken advantage of this situation through its front group, the Islamic State of Iraq, which dePresident Barack Obama, commander in chief. ployed combat teams in Fallujah last month that targeted Iraqi army positions and killed arrest of Sunni Vice President Tariq alseveral soldiers. The jihadists’ black flags Hashimi’s security detail. Hashimi fled to in Iraq. The recent protests underscore the have appeared at Sunni protests and meTurkey and is unlikely to return soon to Iraq, where he was sentenced to death after Maliki collapse of the inclusive political accom- morial ceremonies for the fallen. The group demanded his trial in absentia for murder modation reached in 2007, which had is back in the havens it held in 2006. If and financing terrorism. The threat to Issawi, been reconfirmed by the formation of a Maliki does not allow proper Sunni reprea moderate technocrat from Anbar, galva- grand Sunni-Shiite-Kurd coalition gov- sentation in government, al-Qaeda will gain greater popular tolerance and foreign supIf Maliki does not accept many of the protesters’ port. Over the past year, the situation in Iraq has become explosive while sectarian reasonable demands and allow meaningful Sunni sentiment and armed violence in neighborparticipation in government, prospects for stopping ing nations have escalated dramatically. Americans have become accustomed to Iraq’s descent into sectarian conflict are grim. watching Iraq approach the precipice and More from nized Iraqi Sunnis, who rightly saw Maliki’s ernment after parliamentary elections in draw back. move as sectarian and an assault on gov- 2010. By November 2012, Maliki had Post Opinions: Blake Hall: To a family in ernment participation by Sunnis not under evolved to openly discussing his intention Iraq, I owe a debt I cannot repay Bob Woodthe prime minister’s thumb. Three days af- to form a “majoritarian government” that ward: Why Obama picked Hagel Greg ter the arrests, demonstrations broke out in would exclude the most important Sunni Jaffe: David Petraeus not a hero, but not a Ramadi, Fallujah and Samarra. Three days representatives. In mid-December he par- failure Meghan O’Sullivan: U.S. troops after that, a large protest closed the high- ticipated in creating a Shiite grand alli- should stay in Iraq Kimberly Kagan and way from Baghdad to Syria and Jordan. The ance as the launching pad for that gov- Frederick W. Kagan: A new mirage in the popular resistance spread to Mosul on Dec. ernment. The principal Sunni political Iraqi desert . —Courtesy W P 27. These protests erupted during a consti- leaders, including Issawi, parliamentary
our bilateral relationship. The Washington Declaration, signed in June 2012, sets out areas of closer bilateral defense and security cooperation, including increasing cooperation in the South Pacific, building New Zealand’s amphibious capacity and its capacity in peacekeeping, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. We were pleased to host U.S. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta in New Zealand last year – the first visit
here by a U.S. Secretary of Defense in over 25 years. Secretary Panetta described his visit as marking a “new era” between the two countries. His decision to lift the formal restrictions on military staff talks and New Zealand ship visits to U.S. ports represented a positive step forward in defense relations. We look forward to building on this agenda of cooperation with Secretary Panetta’s successor Moving on to trade, the year you became Prime Minister, China surpassed the U.S. as New Zealand’s second largest trading partner and New Zealand and China signed and ratified a free trade agreement (FTA) to be implemented over a number of years. How do you foresee New Zealand’s economic relations with China maturing in the years and decades ahead? I am very optimistic about the future of the New Zealand-China economic relationship. China’s growing role in the world economy is positive for New Zealand. For the first time in New Zealand’s history, the engine of world economic activity has shifted to our geographic region, the Asia-Pacific. Last year marked forty years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between New Zealand and China. In that time the relationship has developed from limited beginnings to one of broad and substantial connections that is among New Zealand’s most important. The trade relationship has grown strongly in the past few years, supported by the China New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA). China is now New Zealand’s second-largest trading partner after Australia, our largest source of imports and our second largest and fastest-growing export market. New Zealand is still the only developed country with a comprehensive FTA with China. We have exported more to China in the years since 2008 when the FTA entered into force than in the previous 20 years combined. China is New Zealand’s largest source of overseas students and our second largest (and fastest growing) source of tourists. New Zealand’s exports of high quality dairy, meat, fish, kiwifruit and wine are significant but there is potential for significant further growth. Continuing growth in both residential and infrastructure investment should also mean substantial demand for New Zealand wood products. Growing Chinese incomes should also boost services exports to China. More households can afford to come on holidays to New Zealand and send their children to New Zealand for education. Speaking of free trade agreements, last month Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations were held in Auckland. New Zealand was pleased to host Round 15 of TransPacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations in December 2012, when we welcomed new participants Mexico and Canada to the table. TPP is the most ambitious FTA negotiation currently under way in the Asia-Pacific region. —Courtesy Diplomat
Changing Rules of Engagement YU LINTAO
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tuted a kind of basis for a new-type relationship between China and the United States.
the second largest trading partners to each other while the United States is now the largest export market of China. In the fi-
XPLORING a new-type rela tionship between China and the But under current circumstances, China and the United States. The Sino-U.S. re lationship is currently acknowl- United States are highly interconnected with each other. edged as the world’s most important bilateral tie. With the successful completion of If conflicts happen between the two, neither could bear the 18th National Congress of the Commuthe consequences. And yet for all that, some Chinese nist Party of China (CPC) last November and U.S. President Barack Obama sworn scholars insist that a new type of Sino-U.S. relationship in for his second term in January, the future relies not mainly on China’s goodwill in that there is still direction of the world’s two major powers a serious lack of mutual strategic trust. is of great interest to the whole world. Without the burden of a third-term election, “Times have changed a lot. Historically, nancial field, by the end of November 2012, Obama is expected to act more like a “statesChina had owned about $1.17 trillion U.S. man” than “politician” in dealing with do- the jungle law era in dealing with internamestic and foreign affairs in the next four tional relations is over,” said Huang Ping, national debt, accounting for about 7.6 peryears. Chinese leaders are stressing the new- Director General of Institute of American cent of the total U.S. debt. China is the largtype relationship with the United States. Though Obama might be busy grappling with domestic issues, such as economic recovery and gun violence, in his new term, getting along with China’s rise should also be on his top agenda. What kind of relationship will the two powers maintain in the future? Will they repeat the rut of the sort of daggers-drawn competition between established and emerging powers in history, or will they follow the new approach of creating a new type of major country relationship that China advocated in recent years featuring cooperation not confrontation, win-win results as opposed to a “zero-sum” game, and healthy competition instead of malicious rivalry? The new-type relationship between major countries was first proposed by Chinese President Hu Jintao in a speech at the Fourth Sino-U.S. Strategic and Economic Dialogue in Beijing last May. Speaking at the opening session, Hu called for the two sides to establish a new type of relations BREAKING GROUND: General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee Xi between major countries, which would dif- Jinping meets with former U.S. President Jimmy Carter in Beijing. fer from historic great power relationships Studies (IAS) under the Chinese Academy est foreign creditor of the United States. Poin that it would not be dominated by dis- of Social Sciences. “The current era requires litically, the two countries have established trust and competition. Xi Jinping, General international players to seek an approach of a web of dialogue with more than 60 kinds Secretary of the CPC Central Committee, mutual beneficial cooperation. And from a of mechanisms, which is rare in relations also suggested creating a new type of rela- pragmatic perspective, cooperation maxi- between major countries. In the last four years, Hu and Obama met 12 times, a comtionship between major countries in the 21st mizes benefits for all parties. The Sino-U.S. relationship is no exception.” Since the end paratively high frequency in high-level incentury while visiting Washington as teraction. China’s vice president in February 2012. of World War II, the number of large inter“The mutual economic dependence China is sincerely searching for a way to national conflicts has continually declined, build and maintain a stable and construc- and there have been basically no direct between China and the United States is unprecedented in the history of the world. tive Sino-U.S. relationship capable of clashes among major powers. Huang said the relatively stable relaThe advancing globalization brings the two weathering the challenges that could arise countries many common global problems. as China’s power increases, given wide- tions among major countries is partly due spread views that the historical pattern of to the balance of terror brought by nuclear Though the United States is the only super great power conflicts suggests a rocky road weapons, but more importantly, the interre- power in the world, it is not capable of resolving all the problems alone. China is no Tao Wenzhao, a long-time America watcher now doubt one of the most important partners of the United States on those world issues,” with the Center for U.S.-China relations at Tsinghua said Zhou Qi, a senior researcher at the IAS. University, said throughout human history, rising In an article by Harvard Professor Joseph Nye, well known for his “soft power” countries might feel repressed by established powtheory, recently published in The New York ers, whereas established powers would look to con- Times, the scholar said that China is not tain the emerging powers for fear of being overtaken. like the Soviet Union. And the Sino-U.S. relationship is also very different from the ahead for the Sino-U.S. relationship. How- lated trends of economic globalization and U.S.-Soviet relationship during the Cold social information growth bring people War. He stressed that China has vast, intriever, as times change, China and the United around the world closer and make major cate and growing trade and economic relaStates have been highly interwoven and interdependent with each other over the past power conflict much less likely. The Sino- tions with the United States, which are mutually beneficial, but the Soviet Union never decades. With the development of U.S. relationship has especially benefited had that kind of relationship with the United multilateralization and globalization, all from this trend. Figures may interpret more States. Nye also mentioned that the world’s countries share a more common destiny with clearly the close relations between the two mutual dependency and intertwined inter- countries in the new era. The bilateral trade two largest economies have much to gain from cooperation in the fight against cliests. Therefore, a new type of Sino-U.S. volume between China and the United mate change, pandemics, cyber-terrorism relationship is very possible. Many observ- States has increased from less than $2.5 biland nuclear proliferation, among others. ers claimed that the changed world situa- lion in 1979 to $484.7 billion in 2012, a rise —Courtesy Beijing Review tion and international pattern have consti- of about 190 fold. The two nations are now
PM
India hangs Guru
From Page 1 Raja Pervez Ashraf recalled the recent productive visits of his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan to Pakistan and said the people of Pakistan cherish the good memories of these visits. He asked Nihat Ergün to convey his best wishes to the Turkish Prime Minister and people. He also conveyed the greetings of President Zardari to President Gul. The Prime Minister said Turkey and Pakistan are like two brothers who always support each other during good and bad times. He briefed the Turkish hosts about the political situation in Pakistan. Raja Pervez Ashraf said that Pakistani state institutions are evolving which will further strengthen democracy. He said we have a strong election commission that will ensure free and fair elections. For the first time in the parliamentary history of Pakistan‚ a democratically elected Parliament will complete its full term. He said this will be a landmark success in our quest for democracy. The Prime Minister during his interaction with the hosts stressed on the need to learn each other ’s languages that is Turkish and Urdu‚ which he said will further increase understanding and will help boost people to people contacts.—NNI
Malik Riaz From Page 1 been filed by NAB Prosecutor Mirza Shafiq under section 31-B of NAB ordinance in accountability court Rawalpindi. NAB prosecutor has taken the plea in his application that no evidence has been found against Malik Riaz and his son Ali Riaz in land scandal case so far therefore, no case be registered against them and all the cases registered against them on this count be dismissed on the basis of lack of evidence. Earlier court had summoned Malik Riaz and his son but they could not appear before it due to some preoccupations. The court granted their bail pleas against the sureties in the sum of Rs 500000 each.—Agencies
LAHORE: Workers are busy in cleaning Gajjo Matta Station in connection with Metro Bus Service.
15 terrorists killed in Aurakzai prey to the Saturday’s blitz. While scores of security forces officials have been martyred in clashes between the militants and the forces in upper and lower Aurakzai agencies during
From Page 1 the last few years, the ground and air offensives of the security forces have also resulted in killing of hundreds of trouble makers in the two agencies where
the forces though have managed to flush out the miscreants from the region but the insurgents continue to keep their hold intact on the hilltops from where they act against the security forces off and on.
Rs30b Metro Bus Service to be inaugurated today ceremony of metro bus project, which will also be attended by diplomats from various other countries. This great project has been built at a cost of Rs. 30 billion in a record time of only eleven months. Due to metro bus service, 27 kilometer long journey from Gajjumata to Shahdara, which took two hours, would now be covered in just 55 minutes. Punjab government has finalized arrangements for the inaugural ceremony of metro bus service, including security, traffic and other measures. Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has announced distribution
COURT NOTICE In the court of Mr. Salim Jan Khan Judge Banking Court 11 KPK Banglow no 1 Afzalabad old Bara Road, University town Peshawar Case no 10/1 of 12/1/2013 date of hearing 28/2/13 Suit for recovery of Rs 850464 ZTBL Khar branch VS Shah Wali etc NOTICE VERSUS= 1) Shah Wali Khan s/o Munawar Khan r/o Dag Alizo Tehsil Khar Bajaur 2) Umarzada s/o Paenda Khan s/o Dag Alizo P/O Khar Tehsil Bajaur 3) Sher Zamin s/o Khaista Khan Mohram Ghandai P/O Khar Tehsil Bajaur Whereas the plaintiff Bank has instituted a suit for the recovery of Rs 850464 against you under section 10(2) of the financial institution (recovery of finances) Ordinance 2001. You are hereby summoned to obtain leave of the court to appear and defend the suit within 30 days after receipt / publication of the notice in the newspaper failing which an exparte decree shall be passed in favour of the plaintiff Bank with costs. Seal of the court Judge Banking court II Peshawar
COURT NOTICE In the court of Mr. MOHAMMAD TARIQ WALI Judge Banking Court 1, 13-A Qafla Road, Tehkal Payan Peshawar Case no 10/1 of 13 date of hearing 16/2/2013 Suit for recovery of Rs 336640 ZTBL Rustam Branch Mardan VS Sarfaraz Khan etc NOTICE VERSUS= 1) Sarfaraz Khan 2) Bahram Ss/o Zardad Khan Rs/o Nawan Killy P/O Rustam district Mardan Where as the plaintiff Bank has instituted a suit for the recovery of Rs. 336640 against you under section 10(2) of the financial institution (recovery of finances) Ordinance 2001. You are hereby summoned to obtain leave of the court to appear and defend the suit within 30 days after receipt / publication of the notice in the newspaper failing which an exparte decree shall be passed in favor of the plaintiff Bank with costs Seal of the court Judge Banking court I Peshawar
COURT NOTICE In the court of Mr. Salim Jan Khan Judge Banking Court 11 KPK Banglow no 1 Afzalabad old Bara Road, University town Peshawar Case no 1/1 of 3/1/2013 date of hearing 16/2/13 Suit for Declamation Zargul Jana s/o jana Gul r/o Darosh Chitral VS ZTBL Chitral NOTICE VERSUS= 1) manager ZTBL Chitral 2) Zonal chief zonal office ZTBL Chitral 3) Regional manager ZTBL Chitral 4) ZTBL Islamabad through chairman Whereas the plaintiff Bank has instituted a suit for Declamation against you under section 10(2) of the financial institution (recovery of finances) Ordinance 2001. You are hereby summoned to obtain leave of the court to appear and defend the suit within 30 days after receipt / publication of the notice in the newspaper failing which an exparte decree shall be passed in favour of the plaintiff Bank with costs. Seal of the court Judge Banking court II Peshawar
From Page 1 of a cash prize of Rs. one crore among labourers, who worked day and night to complete this great project. It may be mentioned that this project has been completed in even shorter time than it took in Turkey. In Turkey, 42 kilometer long metro bus system was completed in three years while in Lahore this project has been completed in a short period of eleven months. This great project is exemplary in terms of its high quality, transparency and speed. A great public-welfare project, like metro bus system has never been carried out in the 65 years history of Pakistan and a new history has been made by working on the project day and night. Metro bus project reflects collective efforts, skill,
cooperation and mutual coordination. Metro bus service would be free of charge for the general public for the first four weeks. A modern eticketing system has been introduced for metro bus project, which will have special reserved seats for women and the disabled. A Punjab Metro Bus Authority has been formulated to run the administrative matters of metro bus system, while an agreement has been made with Lahore Waste Management Company to ensure modern sanitation system at its routes. Foolproof security arrangements have also been made on the route. Punjab government has completed this qualityoriented great development project in a record period, with its own resources and cooperation of Turkey.
3-member SC bench From Page 1 comprise of Justice Gulzar Ahmed and Justice Sheikh Azmat Saeed. The cleric himself would represent his case before the apex court bench, sources said. Qadri has been demanding electoral reforms since his arrival in the country and his long march attended by thousands of his
followers prompted the rulers to hold negotiations with the cleric to woo him to end his sit-in. Tahirul Qadri decided to move the apex court after government refused to accept his demand to reconstitute the electoral body during a round of talk held at his residence in Lahore.
COURT NOTICE In the court of Mr. MOHAMMAD TARIQ WALI Judge Banking Court 1, 13-A Qafla Road, Tehkal Payan Peshawar Case no 9/1 of 13 date of hearing 16/2/2013 Suit for recovery of Rs 689244 ZTBL Khar Bajaur Branch VS Bacha Khan etc NOTICE VERSUS= 1) Bacha Khan s/o Nazeer 2) Anwar Badshah s/o Khan Said 3) Khaysta Khan s/o Nazeer Rs/ o Sarha Miana Tehsil Khar Bajaur district Bajaur Where as the plaintiff Bank has instituted a suit for the recovery of Rs. 689244 against you under section 10(2) of the financial institution (recovery of finances) Ordinance 2001. You are hereby summoned to obtain leave of the court to appear and defend the suit within 30 days after receipt / publication of the notice in the newspaper failing which an exparte decree shall be passed in favor of the plaintiff Bank with costs Seal of the court Banking court I Peshawar
Petition against dissolution From Page 1 The petition requested the court to take action against such forces. It is important to mention that Tahirul Qadri had also filed a petition in Supreme Court to reconstitute ECP, adding that its members should be sacked since their appointment was unconstitutional.—NNI
Two al-Qaeda From Page 1
Officials in New Delhi said Indian President rejected Guru’s mercy petition on Feb. 3 clearing way for his hanging. Guru’s hanging took place in secrecy as it had happened in the case of the hanging of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack case convict Mohammed Ajmal Kasab who was hanged to death in a Pune jail in November last year. The reports said, the civil and police administration was informed of the hanging of Afzal Guru about 5am after he was hanged to death inside the Tihar jail at about 4.30am on Saturday. Incidentally chief minister Omar Abdullah was in New Delhi on Friday and reports said that he was himself caught unawares about the rejection of the mercy plea of Afzal Guru by the Indian President. The authorities in Srinagar and other major towns of the valley had announcements through loudspeakers to remain indoors after the Fajr Namaz and heavy deployment of paramilitary and police was placed in the sensitive areas. The authorities have even closed the Srinagar-Jammu road for the day to avert trouble. Large number of paramilitary personnel was deployed outside the houses of the separatist leaders to prevent them from coming out on the streets fearing trouble in the valley. Incidentally, the hanging of Guru came two days before February 11 when JKLF activists were preparing to observe martyrdom of Maqbool Bhat , who was hanged to death in Tihar jail on Febru-
two members of al-Qaida, Abu Majid Al Iraqi and Sheikh Abu Waqas AlYamani, were among the dead. They said the remaining seven were all Service closed post offices members of Pakistan’s and suspended mail delivbranch of the Taliban. –INP ery Saturday in New England. Some of the worst of the storm appeared to hit Connecticut, where all roads were ordered closed SaturFrom Page 1 day. Kuchlak Police Station. The snow made travel The bang of the blast was nearly impossible even for heard miles around. A num- emergency responders who ber of buildings in the found themselves stuck on neighbourhood including highways all night. In the Kuchlak police station, shoreline community of which may have been the tar- Fairfield, police and get of the attack, were par- firefighters could not come tially damaged as the blast in to work, so the overnight sent parts of the car flying shift was staying on duty, around. said First Selectman Security forces cor- Michael Tetreau. doned off the area and “It’s a real challenge out jumped into action fearing there,” Tetreau said. more explosive devices could “The roads are not passbe in the area. The hectic able at this point. We are search bore fruit. asking everyone to stay According to sources, home and stay safe.” the bomb defusers struck as Nearly 22 inches of a 25 kilogram improvised ex- snow fell in Boston and up plosive device (IED) hidden to 3 feet was expected, the in another car parked National Weather Service nearby. The bomb defusing said, threatening the city’s experts deactivated it after 2003 record of 27.6 inches. some effort saving Quetta In the heavily Catholic from an even bigger devas- city, the archdiocese urged tation. parishioners to be prudent Bomb defusing squad and reminded them that, unsays there were also placed, der church law, the requirenext to the IED they de- ment to attend Sunday fused, two big cans full of Mass “does not apply when gasoline. “This time the ter- there is grave difficulty in rorists had come up with an fulfilling this obligation.” idea of an “incendiary”, a Gov. Deval Patrick enbomb that is designed to acted a statewide driving start fires. If the IED we de- ban for the first time since fused had went off it would the Blizzard of ‘78, a ferohave made a big ball of fire”, cious storm that dropped 27 said a bomb defuser.
From Page 1 ary 11 in 1983 after he was held guilty of killing a bank manger in Kupwara. Hurriyat Conference led by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq announced four-day mourning after the execution of Afzal Guru. Hurriyat also demanded immediate return of the mortal remains of Guru so that he can be given Islamic burial. The spokesman of the Syed Ali Shah Geelani-led Hurriyat Conference Ayaz Akbar was taken into preventive custody by police in the wee hours Saturday India says the 2001 attack on the parliament building in New Delhi was backed by Pakistan, targeting the prime minister, interior minister and legislators in one of the country’s worst ever militant attacks. Pakistan denied any involvement and condemned the attack but tension rose sharply and brought the nuclear-armed rivals dangerously close to their fourth war. Nearly a million soldiers were mobilized on both sides of the border and fears of war only dissipated months later. Scuffles broke out in New Delhi between Hindu activists and demonstrators who gathered at a city-centre protest site to condemn the hanging. Meanwhile, authorities in Occupied Kashmir arrested several members of Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front including its leaders and activists during a protest demonstration seeking handover of remains of prominent martyred Kashmiri leader, Muhammad Maqbool Butt, buried at Tehar Jail in New Delhi. Police stopped the pro-
testers at Budshah Chowk in Srinagar to prevent them from presenting a memorandum to the UN Observers’ Group office at Sonawar in Srinagar. Senior party leaders including Bashir Ahmad Butt, Noor Muhammad Kalwal, Showkat Bakhshi and liberation leader, Javed Ahmad Mir were taken into custody and lodged at Kothibagh police station. Veteran Kashmiri Hurriyet leader, Syed Ali Gilani in a statement in Srinagar condemned Indian authorities for arresting a number of Kashmiri youth without any reason. He said that India and its authorities in the territory were trying to suppress the Kashmiris’ freedom movement through brute use of force. APHC leaders, Agha Syed Hassan Al-Moosvi, Yasmeen Raja, Mukhtar Ahmad Waza, Nayeem Ahmad Khan and Muhammad Yousuf Naqash in their statements described prominent martyred Kashmiri leader, Muhammad Maqbool Butt as a beacon of light for the ongoing Kashmir liberation movement. The Jammu and Kashmir Muslim League in a statement deplored that the authorities were not producing illegallydetained Hurriyet leader, Masarrat Aalam Butt before the court. India sticking to its stubborn attitude has rejected the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation’s demand to allow an OIC fact-finding mission to occupied Kashmir to assess rights situation in the territory. A spokesperson in the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi said that the OIC had no locus standi on such matters.—Agencies
Snowstorm buries US Northeast
Quetta: Kuchlak blast kills one
From Page 1 inches of snow, packed hurricane-force winds and claimed dozens of lives. “This is crazy. I mean it’s just nuts,” said Eileen O’Brien, 56, of blacked-out Sagamore Beach, Mass., clearing heavy snow from her deck for fear it might collapse. As the pirate flag outside her door snapped and
popped in gale-force winds Saturday, she pointed to the snowman she’d built 16 hours earlier, when her mood and the snow were both lighter — and the Upper Cape village still had power. Nearly tweny two inches of snow fell in Boston and more was expected, closing in on the city’s 2003 record of 27.6 inches, reports Associted Press.
COURT NOTICE In the court of Mr. Salim Jan Khan Judge Banking Court 11 KPK Banglow no 1 Afzalabad old Bara Road, University town Peshawar Case no 9/1 of 12/1/2013 date of hearing 28/2/13 Suit for recovery of Rs 700069ZTBL Khar branch VS Mohammad Fazil etc NOTICE VERSUS= 1) Mohammad Fazil s/o Mohammad Zaman r/o Babra Charmung Tehsil Nawagai Bajaur 2) Fateh Gul s/o Khan Mohammad r/o Hashim Charmung P/O Loe Sum Tehsil Nawagai Bajaur 3) Lal Zaman s/o Mohammad Gulab r/o Babra Charmung Tehsil Nawagai Bajaur Whereas the plaintiff Bank has instituted a suit for the recovery of Rs 700069 against you under section 10(2) of the financial institution (recovery of finances) Ordinance 2001. You are hereby summoned to obtain leave of the court to appear and defend the suit within 30 days after receipt / publication of the notice in the newspaper failing which an exparte decree shall be passed in favour of the plaintiff Bank with costs. Seal of the court LAHORE: Activists of Jamaat-ud-Dawa and Kashmir Independence Movement set on fire Indian flag during a protest Judge Banking court II Peshawar against hanging of Kashmiri freedom fighter Afzal Guru by India.
Institutions being used as political ammunition, says Bokhari
Judiciary, executive, legislature need collaboration: CJ
I SLAMABAD —Chairman Na- LAHORE—The Chief Justice menting laws for curbing ex- protection of law. It is the statu-
LAHORE: President Asif Ali Zardari offering fateha at the Mazar of Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh on Saturday.
‘Outdated system not acceptable’ KARACHI—Muttahida Qaumi Movement deputy convener, Dr Farooq Sattar has said that failure in election reforms in two months would mean to sustain the old outdated system which was not acceptable at all. Addressing a seminar of Council of Pakistan Newspapers Editors here, Dr Farooq Sattar said that all political parties after success in general elections should ensure local bodies polls across the country.—INP
Police recover body QUETTA—Police recovered an unidentified bullet riddled dead body of a man in hub on Saturday. According to sources, police recovered the bullet riddled dead body of a man in the area of Hub near technical training centre. Later on, the dead body was shifted to local hospital for autopsy. After completing legal formalities it was kept in morgue for identification. —NNI
Wattoo briefs Zardari on GB, AJK uplift projects SALIM A HMED LAHORE—President Asif Ali Zardari spent busy day here at Bilawal House on Saturday, as he met party leaders apart from visiting the shrine of Data Ganj Bakhsh. Accompanied by Chairman PPP Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs Mian Manzoor Wattoo, President visited the shrine of Syed Ali bin Usman Ali al-Hajweri, Data Ganj Bakhsh, to pay homage to the great saint. Governor Punjab Makhdoom Ahmed Mehmood, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Qamar Zaman Kaira and other dignitaries were also present at Data Darbar.
The President offered fateha and laid a floral wreath at the Mazar. He prayed for the peace, progress and prosperity of the country and well-being of the people. Earlier, Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and GilgitBaltistan Manzoor Ahmad Wattoo called on President Asif Ali Zardari here in Bilawal House on Saturday. Chairman Pakistan People’s Party Bilawal Bhutto Zardari was also present during the meeting. Mian Manzoor Ahmed Wattoo apprised the President about the observance of Kashmir Solidarity Day on February 5 as well as the overall situation including development projects in AJK and
Gilgit Baltistan. Spokesperson Senator Farhatullah Babar giving details of the meeting said that the President inquired about the progress on various development projects including the up gradation of RaikotKhunjrab section of KKH, realignment of KKH at Attabad Lake, rehabilitation of people affected by the raising of Mangla Dam and Attabad lake as well as construction of Bhasha Dam. The President said these are critical projects for the development of the area and for creation of job opportunities. He advised that the progress on these projects should be regularly monitored and their timely completion should be ensured.
tional Accountability Bureau (NAB) Admiral (retd) Fasih Bokhari on Saturday claimed institutions were being used as political ammunition. Speaking to media representatives in Karachi, Bokhari said employing powers of institutions against political opponents was perilous.The chairman moreover emphasised that planning was important in order to restrict corruption, adding that there was a need to tackle corruption at the lower levels. Bokhari further said it was also important to bring those to account who had been involved in corruption in the past. The statements come in the wake of a show-cause notice for contempt of court issued by the Supreme Court to Bokhari over a letter sent by him to President Asif Ali Zardari. The letter had directly accused members of the superior judiciary of trying to influence the outcome of the coming general election. In the letter dated Jan 27, Bokhari had cast serious doubts over the role of the Supreme Court which he said “could be seen as pre-poll rigging”. Meaanwhile, Federal Law Minister Farooq H Naek on Saturday said the government had never interfered in the affairs of the National Accountability Bureau. The minister’s statement at a seminar held in a local hotel in Karachi followed a claim by NAB chairman Admiral (retd) Fasih Bokhari that institutions were being used as political ammunition and that employing powers of institutions against political opponents was perilous.—Online
of Pakistan Justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry has said the need of the hour is that all the three main organs of the State i.e. the judiciary, executive and the legislature should work in collaboration and cooperation with one another to secure basic human rights to the people of Pakistan. Speaking at the 27th roll signing ceremony here on Saturday, the Chief Justice said every institution in Pakistan has to recognize and respect constitutional norms to secure democratic governance and rule of law. He said our society is passing through hard times due to prevalent law and order situation in various areas of Pakistan. The rampant culture of terrorism, extremism, sectarianism and extrajudicial killings has taken thousands of lives and affected millions of families. He said executive and the legislature need to play their role in formulating and imple-
tremism, sectarianism, terrorism, enforced disappearances and extra-judicial killings. He emphasized that the judiciary has always tried to deliver its best while adjudicating in accordance with the existing laws and given procedure. The Chief Justice said the Supreme Court of Pakistan is the custodian of the Constitution and as such has the constitutional power of judicial review. In the constitutional history of Pakistan the Supreme Court has exercised the power of judicial review at various times to check the constitutionality of State actions. To do so, the judiciary has to be vigilant and play an active role, he added. Mr Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry said independence of judiciary is a sine qua non for the promotion of rule of law which is a basic substance of democracy and necessitates the supremacy of constitution, equality before law and equal
tory and constitutional responsibility of judiciary to safeguard the constitutional principles which provide for an effective enforcement of fundamental rights and clean and efficient system of governance. He emphasized that the Judiciary has a definite role to play for effective administration of justice to decide disputes and give relief against, unjust or arbitrary action. The lawyers’ community has played a key role along with the civil society in securing judicial independence in post November 3rd 2007 scenario. After restoration, the judiciary with the support of the Bar has left no stone unturned to maintain its independence and prestige by responding promptly and rendering justice fairly. He said he was proud that the Pakistani judicial system is the strongest pillar of State which enjoys full confidence and faith of other institutions as well as public at large.—INP
‘Sufficient troops to remain in Afghanistan’ Afghan forces are expected R AMSTEIN AIR BASE , the size of the post-2014 U.S. GERMA—The top US military force for Afghanistan during his to take over the lead role for seofficer said on Saturday he was confident enough US troops will remain in Afghanistan after 2014 to accomplish the threepart mission agreed to by allies at last year’s NATO summit in Chicago. Army General Martin Dempsey, chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, said he did not know whether President Barack Obama would announce
upcoming State of the Union address. But he said an announcement on the management of forces in 2013 “has to come fairly soon, simply because we’re two months in(to)” the year. Officials have said a decision on the size of the post-2014 U.S. force would be made before any announcement of the speed of the 2013 drawdown.
curity in Afghanistan this spring. The international force plans to hand over full responsibility for security to the Afghans by the end of 2014, with most international combat forces being withdrawn. Dempsey spoke to reporters while en route to Afghanistan for a change of command ceremony for the International Security Assistance Force.—Reuters
Work-related stress ‘not linked to cancer‘
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TRESS at work is highly unlikely to be a cause of the four most common types of cancer including colorectal, lung, breast and prostate, according to a large international review of previous research. Around 90 percent of cancers are linked to environmental exposures and whilst some exposures are well recognised (such as UV radiation and tobacco smoke), others are not (psychological factors such as stress). Stress can cause chronic inflammation which has been shown to have various roles in the development of cancer, plus stressed individuals are more likely to smoke, consume excessive amounts of alcohol and be obese - all of which are cancer risk factors. So far, only a few studies have examined the associations between work-related stress and cancer risk. These also had unclear conclusions. Researchers from the IPD-Work Consortium, led by the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health and University College London therefore carried out a metaanalysis of 12 studies involving 116,000 participants aged 17 to 70, from Finland, France, the Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, and the UK. Psychological stress at work was assessed using a validated measure, job strain. Job strain was categorised into: high strain job (high demands and low control),
active job (high demands and high control), passive job (low demands and low control) and low strain job (low demands and high control). Data on cancer events were obtained from national cancer or death registries and hospitalisation registries. Rates were adjusted for age, sex, socioeconomic position, BMI, smoking and alcohol intake. Those with a BMI under 15 or over 50 were excluded from the study. Results showed that 5,765 out of 116,056 (5 percent) participants developed some form of cancer in the average 12 year follow-up. Researchers found no evidence of an association between job strain and overall cancer risk. They suggest that many of the previously reported associations may have been chance findings or influenced by possible unmeasured common causes of stress and cancer, for example shift work. Researchers conclude that the meta-analysis provided “no evidence for an association between job strain and overall cancer risk” suggesting that work-related psychological stress is unlikely to be an important factor for cancer. And although reducing work stress would improve the well-being of the general population, it is unlikely to have a marked impact on cancer burden at population-level. The study was recently published on bmj.com.
ISLAMABAD: Artists performing traditional dance on the stage during Pamiri Arts and Cultural Festival at National Art Gallery.
Josh’s 21st death anniversary STAFF REPORTER I SLAMABAD —Josh Literary Foundation’ will observe the 21st death anniversary of great revolutionary poet Josh Malihabbadi on February 22
to pay homage to the services of the legendary figure. Several ceremonies including seminars, memorial meetings and discussion forums will be organize to remember of great poet and apprise the
younger generation with different aspects of his professional life and his personality. Josh was born on December 5, 1894 in Malihabad Lucknow India, where he received his early education.
ISLAMABAD: A view of Faisal Mosque from Daman-e-Koh and in the background is an attractive view of clouds hovering over the skies of Federal Capital City.
IHC’s seven benches to hear over 250 cases ISLAMABAD—Chief Justice of Islamabad High Court (IHC), Iqbal Hameed-ur-Rehman has constituted five single and two division benches to hear over 250 cases during next week starting from Monday (February 11). Five single benches include, Chief Justice, Justice Riaz Ahmed Khan, Justice Muhammad Anwar Khan Kasi, Justice Noorul Haq N Qureshi and Justice Shaukat Aziz Sidqui. The first division bench (DB) comprises Justice Riaz Ahmed Khan and Justice Noorul Haq N Qureshi while the second bench include Justice Muhammad Anwar Khan Kasi and Justice Shaukat Aziz Sidqui.—APP
Turkey: Land where climates, people and cultures meet SANA JAMAL
opened here at Satrang Gallery was attended by art enthusiast and diplomats. Mr. Onart himself, H.E Babur Hizlan, Ambassador of Turkey, and Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker of National Assembly were the chief guests at the occasion. The exhibition is first of the events as part of the cultural activities between Pakistan and
Turkey. “2013-2014 would be celebrated as the Cultural Years of Turkey in Pakistan and Pakistan in Turkey to strengthen the ties of the two countries” said the Turkish Ambassador, Babur Hizlan. Faisal Kundi hoped that Pakistani artists would also go to Turkey under the cultural exchange program. The vibrant photographs,
portraying places, people, architecture and landscapes of ISLAMABAD —Viewing Turkey Turkey, depicted a rich culture full of diversity. “Mr. through the lens of Erkut Onart Onart has truly captured the was pleasantly refreshing for beauty and spirit of the people many as the photographs reand places of Turkey,” said flected a Turkey, culturally rich Asma Khan, director of the and diverse. Erkut Onart’s phoGallery. Every photograph altography exhibition titled “Turlows a glance into nature, key: the land where climates, ambiance, people and places people and cultures meet” that of different cultures. “Each photo reflects a different region of Turkey and is a great opportunity for Pakistanis to learn about the country” remarked Madame Hizlan. The exhibition reflects the diversity and richness of the Turkish culture. “It is refreshing and different from what we generally see in Turkish dramas on our (Pakistani) channels” said Ahsan Akhtar, a visitor, who was impressed enough to plan a visit to Turkey. Places of Istanbul are the highlight of the exhibition but the photographer has brought out other striking places as well such as the city of Bursa and Konya, city of Rumi and the Whirling Dervishes. Photographs of the Blue Mosque, the ISLAMABAD: Turkish Ambassador Babur Hizlan and Deputy Speaker National As- prestigious landmark of sembly Faisal Karim Kundi cutting the ribbon to inaugurate an exhibition of photo- Istanbul; photo Dolmabahce graphs of Turkey “The land where climates and cultures meet by Erkut Onart” at Palace, in all its glory, stood tall among other photos on display. Satrang Art Gallery.—PO photo
Iranian National Day
Pak-Iran enjoy unbreakable historic, cultural, Islamic links Gas pipeline project is life- line of Pakistan; Cooperation with each other is paramount for regional peace: Alireza Haghighian; Jam-packed celebrations reflect cordiality and importance of ties LIAQAT TOOR
stage a lovely show in on Friday evening in a lo- Pakistan, ambassadors, Islamabad to celebrate Na- cal hotel. Politicians from parliamentarians, busiRAN was the first coun tional Day of his country entire political spectrum of nessmen, educationists, try to extend recognition to Pakistan soon after its independence in 1947. During the last six decades, their association at the regional platform always ensured peace and prosperity. Witnessing some ups and downs, Pakistan and Iran enjoyed largely very cordial relations assisting each other in multi-dimensional way. Unbreakable Islamic, historic and cultural linkages are strong base of friendship and brotherhood. The latest decision of Pakistani Cabinet giving approval to PakIran gas pipeline project is a step forward in cordial relations. Iranian offer to build pipeline on Pakistani side was very much appreciated by the people and the Government of Paki- ISLAMABAD: Chief guest Federal Minister for Regulation Services Dr Firdous Ashiq stan. Awan, Ambassador of Iran Alireza Haghighian, Chief Minister Gilgit Baltistan Syed Alireza Haghighian, Ira- Mehdi Shah, Eminent Scholar Tayyaba Khanam and others cutting the cake on the nian ambassador to Paki- occasion of the National Day of the Islamic Republic of Iran at a local hotel. —PO photo stan was forthcoming to by Sultan Bashir
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religious scholars, students and friends of Iran were all there to share greetings with the ambassador on this happy occasion. Interior Minister Rehman Malik, Gen. (retd) Ehsan Ul Haq, Haji Adeel, Deputy Speaker Fazal Karim Kundi, Rashid Turabi, Raja Zafar ul Haq, Malik Hakmeen, Chief Minister Gilgit Baltistan Syed Mehdi Shah, eminent s c h o l a r T a y y a b a Khanam and large numbers of ambassadors from Islamic countries were part of the show. On arrival of the Chief Guest, Dr. Firdous Ashiq Awan, Minister for National Regulation and Services, national anthems of both the countries were played. Later, the Iranian ambassador was joined by the Chief Guest and eminent figures to cut the ceremonial cake. Alireza Haghighian,
who was looking young and articulate, was actively receiving his guests. He extended warm hospitality to them in the show which lasted for two and a half hours. The traditional Iranian dishes and the cultural corner set up on the occasion was a treat to the guests. Iran is passing through some difficult time in its relations with the United States and European countries on its nuclear programme. One of the oldest civilizations in the world, Iran has all the potential to wriggle out from this situation. Oil rich Iran is a one of the important trading partners of Pakistan. Both the countries can boost their trade by finding out nonconventional fields. The job of Iranian ambassador is very challenging in this situation.
06:20 01:30 04:15 07:30
February 10 CLOSING ceremony of Global Model United Nations (GMUN) 2013, organised by the Global System of Integrated Studies, at the GSIS Building, Pitras Bukhari Road, H-8/1, Islamabad, 2 pm. Continuing THE forth annual Dawah Book fair organized by Dawah Academy is continuing at Faisal Masjid. Publishers and book sellers from all over the country are providing 30 to 50 percent discount on books. The fair shall continue till February 11.
FIA submits challan relevant to Police Foundation Scandal R AWALPINDI —Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has completed the challan in National Police Foundation’s real estate scandal and presented it in the court of Special Judge (Central). In this scandal, PML-N’s MNA Anjum Aqeel Khan, two police officers, and three bureaucrats are involved. It merits mentioning here that the case was registered after the accused involved were bailed. Subsequently, FIA’s high-ups issued directions to complete the challan and present it before the court.—Online
NA to host first ever general conference of PAECO STAFF REPORTER I SLAMABAD —The National Assembly of Pakistan will host the first ever general conference of the Parliamentary Assembly of Economic Cooperation Organization (PAECO) here from February 10 to 13. The speakers and parliamentarians from ECO Parliaments will attend the event on the invitation of Speaker National Assembly, Dr. Fehmida Mirza, said a press release issued here today. Speaker Dr. Fehmida Mirza is the pioneer of PAECO as she initiated the proposal of establishing the Assembly and the vision behind its creation was to complement the efforts of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) for increased cooperation between and
among ECO Parliaments. For the purpose of proceeding on the proposal, the National Assembly hosted the first meeting of ECO Parliamentarians in Islamabad from September 4-5 last year where Charter of the Assembly was drafted and agreed for formal signature by the speakers of ECO Parliaments in a regular conference being held in Islamabad. The First General Conference of PAECO is a part of the said process. The Parliamentary Forum, which the Speaker National Assembly envisioned, would serve as a milestone towards realizing the potential power of the ECO - the belief for assisting its agenda was a driving force behind the idea. The speaker addressed the suggestion to the ECO
Parliaments including Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. Since these Member countries have a lot in common, besides being geographically close and economically resourceful, the Assembly of the ECO Parliaments, therefore, will enhance the prospects of close parliamentary cooperation through people-to-people contact and coordination among their Parliaments. The Assembly, whose formation derives its strength from the sincere efforts of the Speaker National Assembly, was taken well by ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Rehman Malik posing for a group photo with children at Family Gala of NADRA at her counterparts in the ECO Marghzar Cricket Stadium. Parliaments as it will serve common interest of the region.
Fire safety measure nowhere in industrial units STAFF REPORTER RAWALPINDI—The City District Government Rawalpindi (CDGR) has failed to remove industrial units from residential areas or to ensure fire safety measure in these units. Under the Local Government Ordinance 2001, no industrial unit can be established or commercial activity carried out in residential areas. But the ordinance has been completely ignored. Moreover, a survey of the CDGR in December, 2012 found over 180 illegal factories lacking fire safety sys-
tem and other security arrangements but owing to political pressure no action could be taken against them so far. The factories are located in thickly populated areas such as Raja Bazaar, Khayaban-i-Sir Syed, Bangash Colony, Dhoke Dalal, Dhoke Ratta, College Road, Sadiqabad, Glass Factory, Pirwadhai, Asghar Mall and Bagh Sardarn. People residing in these areas said fire incidents could cause human fatalities if precautionary measures were not taken as factories have been established in narrow streets
and congested areas of the city and it is difficult for fire fighters to reach to site of incidents. Residents talking to INP said that industrial units should be removed from residential areas if the provincial government gives a clear cut order to the authorities that no political interference should be accepted. They added that every time provincial government orders shifting of factories out side the city areas, the owners of these industries use their political influence and keep their units working putting at risk the lives of the citizens.
STAFF REPORTER
87 one wheelers sent behind bars
STAFF REPORTER
AWALPINDI —City Traffic I SLAMABAD —Mr. Shahid R Police (CTP) Rawalpindi unBashir S/O Muhammad
der its special drives against one-wheelers in 2012 conducted grand operations while 46 FIRs were registered in various police stations and 87 youngsters on the violation of the law were sent behind the bars. Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Rawalpindi, Superintendent Police (SP) Syed Ishtiaq Hussain Shah told that strict action is being taken against one-wheelers as the activity is strictly banned in the city. Special drives were launched to curb the activity and no relaxation was given to anyone while under section 99/A, cases were registered against the violators. A large number of youngsters found indulged in onewheeling, rash and dangerous driving were fined. The CTO said the activity was being checked by special STAFF REPORTER squads of traffic officials deputed on the city roads but R AWALPINDI —Despite the now special arrangements tall claim of the Tehsil Mu- have also been made to nicipal Administration check the activity. He in(TMA) buffaloes still found in mostly parts of the city. Buffaloes can be seen in Gawalmandi, Dhoke Rata, Dhoke Khaba, Glass Factory, Dhoke Elahi Bukush, STAFF REPORTER Nadeem Colony, Arya Mohallah and Javed Colony. Earlier, Tehsil Municipal RAWALPINDI—Operation will Officer (TMO) Administrator be launched against two Anwar Saif Jappa said that op- stroke rickshaws from Februeration against the buffaloes’ ary 11 in Rawalpindi city beowners would be carried out ing prime source of environmental pollution. As many without any discrimination. He warned the milkmen of as 4000 two stroke registered heavy fines and imprison- rickshaws are plying on the ment besides confiscation of roads of Rawalpindi city in their cattles in case of non- utter defiance of anti environcompliance of the order. He mental pollution norms. said the TMA would launch Manufacturing of these rickoperation and the violators shaws was stopped from would be taken to task. He January, 2007 while Punjab said that the city would be government had imposed full made neat and clean. The ban on these rickshaws from people of said areas de- 2007. Taking notice of plying manded for taking strict acof these rickshaws on the tion against the violators. Bashir has successfully completed his degree of PhD in English Language from National University of Modern Languages (NUML), Islamabad. He was awarded the degree of PhD after a successful defense of his thesis on 07th February 2013. The title of his thesis was “A Comparative Study of Evolutionary and Anti Evolutionary Theories of Language Origin”. Dr. Mujib Rehman was hIr supervisor for the PhD thesis.
Buffaloes still found in Rawalpindi areas
PTV clarifies ISLAMABAD—An article was published in daily “Pakistan Obrserver” dated 08-02-2013 written by Prof Laeeq Ahmad Khan in which he said that PTV is the least worst channel in Pakistan due to propagating the so called achievements of government in power and PTV is only depending upon the government funding. The aim of the PTV was to educate the masses but failed. Clarifying its position the General Manager, Media PTV Sohail Bokhari says perhaps it would not be an exaggeration to say that private TV channels revolution has taken the country over. Pakistan is changing fast, led by the electronic waves. Like all revolutions, this revolution has also some good and some not so good effects. PTV was the pioneer television not only in Pakistan, but also in South Asia. The practice of using the PTV for government’s benefit is now eight regimes old. Yet a welcome trend did surface and PTV now gives proper coverage to different political parties in PTV News & Current Affairs. As a state owned media, it is also the responsibility of PTV to project government policies at national and international level. PTV’s Editorial policyin its News & Current Affairs is open and objective, where not only government’s policies are being projected but also the opposition leaders are participating in PTV’s News and Current Affairs programmes in live and recorded discussions. PTV’s telecast policy concerning matters of national and international interest has always been motivated and guided by the cardinal principles of educating viewers about the values that are vitally important in building a united, integrated and disciplined society. These objectives have successfully been achieved through PTV’s programmes on religious, education, entertainment and culture. In the last few years PTV has restructured its programming contents from all in one channel to network of 8 dedicated mainstream and Regional Channels; which are giving contents in entertainment, News and Current Affairs, Sports, English and Regional Languages.
PhD scholar completes PhD degree from NUML
formed that the city roads especially the attractive areas for the activity were covered effectively. He said motorcycles and vehicles were impounded during special campaigns. The SP informed that traffic police officers have been directed to keep a vigilant eye on the one-wheelers so that action in accordance with the law could be taken against them. The traffic officers and circle heads have been directed to take stern action against the one-wheelers without discrimination and no one should be spared if found involved in this dangerous act, which is a cause of deaths and severe injuries for the riders. He said the citizens particularly parents should come forward and play an active role to curb the activity as one wheeling, rash and negligent driving are the main causes for fatal accidents. The CTO said the grand operations are conducted by city traffic police to discourage drivers especially youth from violating traffic rules. The operation would continue in future, he added.
Operation against two stroke rickshaws from Feb 11
RAWALPINDI: Lawyers of Rawalpindi Bar protesting against the target killing of their colleagues.
CSB meets on Monday STAFF REPORTER ISLAMABAD—Central Selection Board will be meeting on Monday after a long period of sixteen months to decide the promotion of 195 officers to Grade-21 and about 400 officers to Grade-20. The meeting to be held under Malik Asif Hayat, Chairman of Federal Public Service Commission will continue for three days during which promotions of officers of all the services groups, ministries and departments would come under consideration. Sources said that the Chairman of the FPSC gave the dates for the Selection Board meeting to Secretary Establishment Taimur Azmat Sultan immediately completing the interviews of candidates for the CSS.
Shortage of residences in twin cities STAFF REPORTER I SLAMABAD—A large number of people coming to twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi for studies and work are facing severe troubles in getting suitable accommodation. Single men have to go through much more misery in finding a residence in the twin cities as majority of the house-owners are reluctant to rent their houses to singles. A group of workers coming from different cities of the country, talking to INP, said that finding a residence is more difficult than finding a job. They said that house-owners in the twin cities are reluctant to rent their houses to unmar-
ried men due to law and order situation in the country and social and cultural set-up. Similarly, students from across the country studying in educational institutions of the two cities have to live in congested hostels and houses owing to the shortage of residences and higher rents. The workers and students demanded of the government and city managements to construct youth hostels, like those of working women hostels. They also appealed to the higher officials of the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to start new sectors in the federal capital to accommodate the students and the workers.
roads of Rawalpindi city, government has again issued directives to district government on January, 31, 2013 to take action against them. As per these directives, MMPI, TSI and MVE under secretary RTA, Owais Manzoor Tarar will start operation against the two stroke rickshaws from Monday to ensure suspension of their movement on the roads. As per experts 60 to 70 percent environmental pollution is being generated by these rickshaws. Punjab government has also directed secretary RTA to send weekly report to it in respect of the operation.
Students of special education institutions to get laptops STAFF REPORTER
R AWALPINDI —Chief Minister Punjab Mian Shahbaz Sharif has decided to provide laptops and solar energy panels to the students of 32 special education institutions in Rawalpindi division. Punjab education department has issued directives to EDO education department Rawalpindi, to work out lists of students from special education institutions who have obtained 60 percent marks in the examination for distribution of laptops and solar energy panels among them. DEO Education Rawalpindi division has started preparing lists in respect of students from 32 special education institutions including 11 from Rawalpindi, 8 from Attock, 6 from Jhelum and 6 from Chakwal. Lap tops will be distributed among 70 students who have attained 60 percent marks. The process of distribution of laptops will be completed before February, 15. Chief minister Punjab Mian Shahbaz Sharif will distribute laptops in a special ceremony.
Installation of CCTV cameras STAFF REPORTER I SLAMABAD —The Pakistan Railway has started installation of CCTV cameras on Rawalpindi Railway Station. In view of this, the CCTV cameras have been installed on all gates in first phase while cameras would be installed on platforms and waiting lounge for passengers. According to Railway official, the scanner machine would also be installed for checking the baggage of passengers.
Four dacoits, three drug peddlers arrested STAFF REPORTER R AWALPINDI —Rawalpindi
police in its crackdowns against anti-social elements arrested four dacoits and three drug peddlers. Kalar Syedian Police busting an inter-provincial criminal gang involved in robberies and dacoities and arrested its four members. Police recovered four pistols of 30 bore with 18 rounds and other items from their possession. According to details, acting on a tip-off Kalar Syedian police raided in Choa Khalsa and arrested four dacoits namely Ghulam Hussain resident of Faisalabad, Afzal resident of Sargodha, Zafar Iqbal resident of Sargodha and Abdul Rehman. Meanwhile, Naseerabad police arrested three drug peddlers and recovered nearly 15 kg charras and one kg opium. Acting on a tip-off about smuggling of drugs to Rawalpindi, Superintendent Police, (SP) Potohar Division Haroon Joia formed a special team under the supervision of SHO Naseerabad Police Station, Inspector Jamil Akhtar. The police team during special checking of vehicles recovered 13,500 grams charras from Nazar Gull, 1100 grams charras from ISLAMABAD: Students taking part in the painting competition during Life Style Exhi- Sabira and 1100 grams opium from the possession of Sadaqat. bition at Convention Centre.—PO photo by Sultan Bashir
ISLAMABAD: Activists of Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front hold a demonstration against the hanging of Afzal Guru.
451 beggar children rescued by CPWB R AWA L P I N D I —Child Pro- the bureau along with police vision of an affidavit that tection and Welfare Bureau (CPWB) Rawalpindi rescued 451 children found begging on city roads in 2012 and handed over to their parents. The bureau has rescued as many as 2500 children found begging on city roads during last five years while a large number of such children were handed over to their parents during the period. According to District Officer CPWB, rescue teams of
visit several city areas including Faizabad, Peerwadhai, Murree road, Commercial Market, Sadder bazaar, Scheme three and other main areas. He informed that the children under 15 years of age taken into custody from different city areas are presented in Child Protection Court for legal custody. Family tracing unit of the bureau makes efforts to find out the parents of such children and on pro-
the children would not be made beggars again, handed over to them. He said the citizens should give information about such children on child protection help line 1121. He further informed that a large number of such children were handed over to their parents during the period while hundreds of children are present in the CPWB center under legal custody who are being provided all facilities there.
Maqbool Bhat illustrious son of soil: Geelani Calls for shutdown tomorrow SRINAGAR—The Chairman of several serious issues that de- they had not stated it but had Noor Muhammad Kalwal, Hurriyat Conference (G) Syed Ali Shah Geelani has paid glowing tributes to late Maqbool Bhat and other martyrs and has urged people to observe complete shutdown on February 11 (Monday). “The best way to pay tributes to martyrs is that we should strive for taking their mission to its logical end,” said Geelani in a statement from New Delhi. He described Maqbool Bhat as illustrious son of the soil who with his endeavor not only stood up against the tyranny and forced control of Jammu Kashmir but also sacrificed his life for the sacred cause. “After 29 years of his martyrdom, we as a nation face
Shah: Delhi under pressure to resolve Kashmir dispute S R I N A G A R — Democratic Freedom Party (DFP)chairman Shabir Ahmad Shah has claimed that international community was building pressure on New Delhi to resolve the Kashmir issue as per the aspirations of Kashmiris. Shah, while addressing the party workers here, said, “To neutralize the international pressure, India is trying to hold talks separately with Pakistan and separatist leadership of the Valley. The talks between India and Pakistan in the past failed because of the fact that the principal party to the dispute— separatist leadership—was not involved in those talks. The dialogue between Srinagar and Delhi also failed because Pakistan was not involved. Kashmir issue can be resolved either through the implementation of the United Nation resolutions or through tripartite talks among India, Pakistan and Kashmiri leadership.” Paying glowing tributes to late Maqbool Bhat,Shah reiterated the stand of the Kashmiri nation that the mortal remains of Bhat should be handed over to his parents in Srinagar. He once again appealed to the United Nations to press the government of India to accept the decision of Kashmiris.—NNI
PC raps army for opposing AFSPA dilution NEW DELHI—In a hard posturing, Union Finance Minister and former Home Minister P Chidambaram has criticized army for opposing dilution of Armed Forces Special Power Act (AFSPA) and said army’s stand is making it difficult for Government of India (GoI) to amend the controversial act. “Amending AFSPA will make it more humanitarian but the army’s rigidness was not leaving much for the government,” Chidambaram said during the K Subrahmanyam Memorial Lecture at the Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses, here last evening. He said armed forces, and especially the Chief of Army Staff, the present one and the previous one, have taken a very strong position that AFSPA should not be amended or diluted.NNI
mand our immediate attention,” said Geelani, adding that “Thousands of innocent people have laid down their lives and continue to offer the same since the day Maqbool Bhat was awarded death sentence. The people who have sacrificed their precious lives include intellectuals, doctors, engineers, lawyers, students and businessmen and we need to deliberate over whether these martyrs while laying down their life had fixed any specific time period for achieving the goal of freedom and asked us to give up struggle and save the generation and engage ourselves in futile talks if the goal was not achieved till that specific time. Obviously
Showkat Ahmad Bakhshi,Sheikh Khalid Mubarak, Muhammad Sideeq Shah, Bashir Ahmad Kashmiri, district president Ganderbal Bashir Ahmad Rather alias Boya, activists and party workers, kith and kin of martyrs and other people participated in the program. Meanwhile, a JKLF spokesman said the Front would organize a protest rally in connection with the “Maqbool day” on Friday. The rally would start from Maqbool Manzil here. Jammu and Kashmir National Front Chairman Nayeem Ahmad Khan has described Muhammad Maqbool Bhat as a torch bearer of the ongoing struggle.—NNI KOTLI: Staff and students of Institution of Special Education with Deputy Commissioner of Kotli Masud-ur-Rehman.
NRHM employees without salary for five months S RINAGAR — Hundreds of workers including doctors and paramedics working under the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) in held Kashmir’s health institutions are without salary for the past five months. Official sources told Greater Kashmir that the delay is due to “pending liabilities of the state government under the NRHM.” “The state governments have to provide 10 percent share in salary of the NRHM employees. But they don’t contribute the amount regularly. In some cases they divert the salary amount to
other things,” they said. Employees said in absence of salary, they are facing immense hardships. “We are finding it hard to run our families in absence of wages,” they said. “Our children are suffering. Nobody is listening to us.” officers of forcing them to pay twomonth salary as ‘security deposit’, the employees said: “We are being asked to receive one month salary but pay two month amount as security deposit which is against the norms of the scheme.” Those without salaries since October last year, in
certain cases from September, include allopathic and ISM doctors, paramedics, health workers, ANMs and Helpers. Expressing strong resentment over the inordinate delay in release of their salary, a delegation of NHRM medicos strongly condemned “the failure of the authorities to manage the central funds properly.” “We are without salary for the past several months. The higher-ups in the department are well aware of our problems. But they are turning a blind eye to resolve them,” the aggrieved employees said.—Newswire
MUZAFFARABAD: AJK PTI chief organizer addressing a press conference.
Several JKLF leaders, activists arrested S RINAGAR — In
occupied Kashmir, the authorities have arrested several members of Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front including its leaders and activists during a protest demonstration seeking handover of remains of prominent martyred Kashmiri leader, Muhammad Maqbool Butt, buried at Tehar Jail in New Delhi. Police stopped the protesters at Budshah Chowk in Srinagar to prevent them from presenting a memorandum to the UN Observers’ Group office at Sonawar in Srinagar. Senior party leaders including Bashir Ahmad Butt, Noor Muhammad Kalwal, Showkat Bakhshi and liberation leader, Javed Ahmad Mir were taken into custody and lodged at Kothibagh police station.
GOWHAR GEELANI
F
rather expected that, come what may, the people would safeguard their sacrifices and take their unfinished mission to its logical end without showing signs of exhaustion.” Maqbool Bhat pride of Kashmir: JKLF The acting chairman of Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) advocate Bashir Ahmad Bhat has described late Maqbool Bhat as national symbol, identity and pride of Kashmiris. “His struggle and sacrifices are the golden pages of our five thousand year old history,” he said while speaking at a meeting held in Ganderbal district in connection with the martyrdom anniversary of late Maqbool Bhat. JKLF leaders
OR the first time since the incep tion of popular armed uprising against Indian rule in Jammu and Kashmir in 1989, two leading human rights groups have named 500 “alleged perpetrators” – including two Major Generals and three Brigadiers of the Indian Army besides many other serving officers and soldiers – involved in killings, fake encounters, torture, rape and other serious crimes like abduction and enforced custodial disappearances in the disputed Himalayan region. After the discovery of about 6,000 unmarked and mass graves in different parts of the Kashmir Valley not that long ago, the latest report could finally ‘embarrass’ the “world’s largest democracy”. According to International People’s Tribunal for Human Rights and Justice in Indian-administered Kashmir (IPTK) and the Association of Parents of Disappeared Persons (APDP) – two leading human rights bodies operating in
Veteran Kashmiri Hurriyet leader, Syed Ali Gilani in a statement issued in Srinagar condemned Indian authorities for arresting a number of Kashmiri youth without any reason. He said that India and its authorities in the territory were trying to suppress the Kashmiris’ freedom movement through brute use of force. APHC leaders, Agha Syed Hassan Al-Moosvi, Yasmeen Raja, Mukhtar Ahmad Waza, Nayeem Ahmad Khan and Muhammad Yousuf Naqash in their statements described prominent martyred Kashmiri leader, Muhammad Maqbool Butt as a beacon of light for the ongoing Kashmir liberation movement. The Jammu and Kashmir Muslim League in a statement deplored that the authorities
were not producing illegallydetained Hurriyet leader, Masarrat Aalam Butt before the court.India sticking to its stubborn attitude has rejected the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation’s demand to allow an OIC fact-finding mission to occupied Kashmir to assess rights situation in the territory. A spokesperson in the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi said that the OIC had no locus standi on such matters. Earlier, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation during its 12th summit in Cairo on Thursday through a joint communiqué had called upon India to allow a fact-finding mission comprising OIC representatives and members of human rights groups and humanitarian organizations to visit occupied Kashmir.—NNI
Rights group to sue grand Mufti SRINAGAR—A civil society human rights group has said they would file a case against Kashmir’s grand mufti for issuing fatwas which project the state in bad light internationally. Pervez Imroze, patron of Jammu and Kashmir Coalition for Civil Society told media persons in Srinagar. “He is a self-appointed religious leader who has been issuing fatwas, which project Kashmir and Kashmiris in bad light internationally.” Earlier he issued a fatwa against the Christians and now he has issued another one against these girls, he said. “He is protected by the state government and has been trying to establish his own legal system. We have decided to move the court against his right to issue intimidating fatwas,” said Imroz. The Grand Mufti had recently issued a fatwa against three minor girls who formed ‘Pragaash’, the valley’s first all-girl rock band. Three people accused of posting threats on social networking sites against the girl band have been arrested, an official said. Chief minister Omar Abdullah said more arrests were possible.—NNI
Waza hails OIC for backing Kashmir cause S RINAGAR — In occupied Kashmir, the All Parties Hurriyet Conference (APHC) leader and the Chairman of Jammu and Kashmir Peoples League (JKPL), Mukhtar Ahmad Waza has hailed Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) for backing Kashmir cause and said that the organisation had role in resolving the problems confronted by Muslim nations in the world.Mukhtar Ahmad Waza, welcomed the reaffirmation showed by the OIC in 12th Cairo summit and said that the decision would definitely prove fruitful. “OIC has reaffirmed support to Kashmir cause and Pakistan has played role and showed their willingness for the peaceful resolu-
tion of Kashmir dispute by putting forward the dispute in Cairo summit.” Waza said, adding international pressure is building on India for resolution of Kashmir dispute. The APHC leader said that the international community had also tried to facilitate Pakistan and India for the resolution of Kashmir dispute but every time India backtracked from the process and with the result Kashmiri people were still being deprived of their basic rights. He also hailed the concern showed by OIC for the human rights violations and discovery of unmarked graves in the valley and said that Jammu and Kashmir
Fact-finding mission: India rejects OIC call
N EW DELHI —Strongly rejecting Organisation of Islamic Cooperation’s suggestion of allowing an OIC fact-finding mission to Jammu and Kashmir to assess rights situation there, India said the grouping has no “locus standi” on such matters and termed suggestions to this effect by Pakistan Foreign Minister as “propagandist”. “The OIC has no locus standi on matters concerning the internal affairs of India or the recent incidents the LoC. We have alSRINAGAR — Describing its on ready clarified that founder Muhammad UNMOGIP has no relMaqbool Bhat as the “symbol of Kashmiri identity,” the JKLF has said that the executed leader’s fight for a free and independent Jammu and Kashmir was a golden chapter in the state’s history. At a meeting in Gandarbal ahead of S RINAGAR—Painting a grip Maqbool Day commemorat- picture of sanitation in J&K, ing Bhat’s execution in Tihar a national monitoring agency Jail of New Delhi, the acting has revealed that only 29 JKLF chairman, advocate percent households in the Bashir Ahmad Bhat, said State have access to toilet that the party founder’s sac- facility. rifice was a reminder of how In 35 percent villages, a lone individual had stood the agency said, less than 25 up to oppression and illegal percent households are havoccupation. ing access to such a facility. “We observe that day The National Level (Feb 11) to commemorate the Monitoring (NLM) agency exemplary sacrifice of our has visited 137 villages in beloved leader,” he said. J&K to evaluate the sanita“Under no circum- tion scenario and report the stances can Maqbool’s sac- same to the Ministry of Rurifice be expunged from our ral Development. history or erased from our “Only in 29.2 percent memory,” he said. villages, out of 137 villages
Maqbool symbol of Kashmiri identity: JKLF
evance in regard to the latter. The propagandist suggestions made in the Foreign Minister ’s statement are neither new nor helpful,” official spokesperson in the Ministry of External Affairs said.He was responding to a question regarding the statement made by the Foreign Minister of Pakistan at the recentlyconcluded OIC Contact Group meeting on Jammu and Kashmir held in Cairo. Backing Pakistan, the OIC had asked India to allow an OIC fact-finding mission, international rights groups and humanitarian
tions be stopped from providing the violators a cover of impunity,” the report further says. “The institutional culture of moral, political and juridical impunity has resulted in enforced and involuntary disappearance of an estimated 8000 persons (as on Nov 2012), besides more than 70,000 deaths, and disclosures of more than 6000 unknown, unmarked and mass graves. The last 22 years have also seen regular extra-judicial killings punctuated by massacres. The Gow Kadal (Srinagar) massacre of around 50 persons on 21 January, 1990, and other mass killings discussed in this report are symbolic reminders of the persistent human rights violations in Jammu and Kashmir,” it adds. The 354-page report released on December 6, 2012, in Srinagar by
organisations to visit Jammu and Kashmir to assess the rights situation. A joint communiqué, adopted at an OIC summit that concluded in Cairo, called upon India to “allow the OIC fact-finding mission, the international human rights groups and humanitarian organisations to visit Jammu and Kashmir”.The communiqué had also welcomed Pakistan’s proposal for an investigation by the UN Military Observers Group for India and Pakistan into recent ceasefire violations along the Line of Control (LoC).—INP
Only 29 per cent households have access to toilet facility visited by the NLM, had access to the toilet facility. In 35.7 percent villages less than 25 percent APL households were having toilet facilities; In only 17.5 percent villages out of 137 visited in the state, all the households have been provided toilets. 43 percent villages had less than 25 percent BPL households with toilet facilities,” NLM report reveals. Continuing to portray dismal picture of sanitation, the report stated that in 65.7 percent of villages less than 25 percent BPL households of total BPL households have been provided Indi-
Latest human rights report ‘embarrassing’ for India the Valley – their report is the outcome of two-year-long painstaking research. “Out of 214 cases a list emerges of 500 individual perpetrators, which include 235 army personnel, 123 paramilitary personnel, 111 Jammu and Kashmir Police personnel and 31 Government backed militants/associates. Among the alleged perpetrators are two Major Generals and three Brigadiers of the Indian Army, besides nine Colonels, three Lieutenant Colonels, 78 Majors and 25 Captains. Add to this, 37 senior officials of the federal Paramilitary forces, a recently retired Director General of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, as well as a serving Inspector General,” the report alleges. “By naming names the report seeks to remove the veil of anonymity and secrecy that has sustained impunity. Only when the specificity of each act of violation is uncovered can institu-
People’s League has always appealed international community to visit and take a serious note of the violations done by Indian security forces in the valley during past six decades. Waza said that Kashmir being a political dispute also needed to be resolved on humanitarian grounds because Kashmiri people had suffered a lot. He added that Kashmris would continue their liberation struggle till complete success. He also paid glowing tributes to Maqbool Butt. He said that he gave his life for Kashmir cause and reiterated that the sacrifices of Kashmiri martyrs would not be allowed to go waste.—NNI
these groups also accuses India of institutionally ‘obstructing justice’. India has all along been dismissing allegations of such serious nature against its armed forces by saying that the unfortunate acts are a mere “aberration” and “error in judgment” on part of some individual soldiers, not a matter of policy. But Khurram Parvez, one of the coauthors of the report, told Dawn that the Indian State has used its various institutions in Jammu and Kashmir – judicial and otherwise – in a sophisticated manner to “continue its control over territory”. “This fits in with the State’s policy and design in Jammu and Kashmir. The State has ensured a lowering of the standard of the serious human rights discourse. Our analysis of the cases in this report clearly evidences this. The State on occasion allows for the filing of FIR’s (First Infor-
mation Reports), or ordering investigations, but it will not allow prosecutions despite information being present,” Parvez writes in response to our questionnaire. Asked how confident his group was about the findings of the report, he writes: “We are confident of our documentation and analysis in this report. We intend to engage on this report with international rights groups and UN working groups and Special Rapporteurs. We will use this [report] to build awareness in India and internationally regarding the processes of injustice in Jammu and Kashmir.” Programme coordinator of the Jammu and Kashmir Coalition of Civil Society (JKCCS) and Tribunal Liaison, Parvez, hopes that the international community will take notice of their group’s report. The other authors of the report are
vidual Household Latrines (IHHL) under Total Sanitation Campaign (TSC). “94.9 percent villages had less than 25 percent SC/ST of total households who have been provided IHHL under TSC.” The NLM had conducted random checks in the village areas, visited houses, interviewed families on various aspects of toilet construction and usage to ascertain the sanitation status in these villages. “In 37.9 percent villages, all the visited households were having a functional toilet and were using them.—Newswire
Kartik Murukutla, who has worked in a UN tribunal in Rwanda for five years, and leading human rights activist in Kashmir, Parvez Imroz. The authors of the report have a word of caution, though: “The IPTK cannot conclusively pronounce on the guilt of any of the alleged perpetrators, but it is clear that enough evidence exists to warrant further action. However, in the absence of any institutional or political will to take the evidence to its natural conclusion – a trial where the crime and the guilt of a perpetrator can be proven beyond reasonable doubt – the Indian State stands indicted,” read the contents of the report’s executive summary. How significant are the findings of this report released by IPTK and APDP? When I posed this question to Anuradha Bhasin, executive editor of Jammu and Kashmir’s oldest English daily The Kashmir Times, she had this to say.—KMS
KASB Bank automates customer service Staff Reporter KARACHI—KASB Bank has migrated its Contact Center to an upgraded Genesys platform. In its journey to becoming a leader in the FSI Industry, it soon realized a larger integration of technology in the services and operations is very essential. To convert its vision into reality, KASB needed a very reliable and tech savvy partner and so it sought the help of none other than C Square Consulting. Soon after the partnership was entered into, C Square began working on the project and in a short time period, KASB started receiving outstanding outcomes on all business requirements. C Square commenced the project with outstanding results delivered, only recently. As expected by the team, a multifold performance improvement is expected. Taking full responsibility of the upgrade required of KASB’s systems and processes, C Square has been successful at upgrading the platform that was earlier functional on Genesys v7.2. The systems and processes have now been moved to v8.1. In addition, a Genesys Voice Portal and a Self Service Banking IVR have also been deployed successfully.
Rs17.5b sales tax collected on services STAFF CORRESPONDENT FAISALABAD —Punjab Revenue Authority (PRA) has collected sales tax on services of rupees 17.5 billion during the last six months in Punjab and it is decided that major portion of sales tax would be specified on the development of that district of the province from which this tax has been collected. This was informed by PRA Chairperson Iftikhar Qutab while addressing the orientation seminar at Commissioner Office. Divisional Commissioner Tahir Hussain, DCO Muhammad Amin Chaudhry, Addl District Collectors from the four districts of the Faisalabad division, other offic-
ers, representatives of Tax Bar Associations and service provider organisations were present at the seminar. Giving details of the aims and objectives of the establishment of PRA, its legal framework, scope and work ethics, the Chairperson informed that PRA was an autonomous body and 17 different services had been selected for collecting sales tax including hotels, clubs, caterers, advertisements on TV & radio, customs agents, ship chandlers, stevedores, telecommunication, insurance and re-insurance, banking companies, non-banking financial institutions, stock brokers, shipping agents, courier services, restaurants, franchises and ads on hoarding boards/ polesigns/signboards/CCTV/
websites/internet. He maintained that after 18th amendment, the province had been authorised to collect sales tax on services, for this purpose Punjab Sales Tax on Services Act 2012 had been promulgated and informal survey had been conducted to collect the data from the districts. He vowed that the rights of the taxpayers would be protected in this regard and that business secrets would be remained in safe custody with the PRA. He said that help desks were also being set up at district level for information, guidance, enrolment and registration of the taxpayers. He informed that any information regarding the working of the PRA and its scope could be taken from its website
Govt not responsible for energy crisis: Firdous STAFF REPORTER SIALKOT—Federal Minister
for Regulation and Service Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan has said that PPP led-government will complete its constitutional tenure despite conspiracies of antidemocratic elements and face humiliation. Shares climb The people, she said, are NEW YORK—Strong fully satisfy with efficiency and economic data buoyed global services rendered for the overequity markets on Friday, all development of the country. lifting the Nasdaq to a 12-year Talking various delegations closing high and the S&P 500 at Kuba Chak she said that govto a five-year high, while the ernment was taking decisions by yen soared after Japan’s finance following Shaheed Benazir minister said its recent drop had Bhutto’s vision in the best nagone too far, too fast. Brent tional interests of the country. crude oil rose to a nine-month Pakistan Peoples Party high near $119 a barrel and copper prices advanced for the first time in four days as robust Chinese data boosted the outlook for commodities demand. Data showing stronger international trade in China and Germany, and a report SALIM AHMED indicating the U.S. trade deficit had narrowed in December, LAHORE —The All Pakistan pointed to improving global CNG Association (APCNGA) growth prospects. “That may on Saturday said decision of the have sent a ray of optimism,” said Fred Dickson, chief market government to provide natural strategist at D.A. Davidson & gas to CNG outlets for two days a week is unworkable and unCo in Lake Oswego, Oregon. acceptable. MSCI’s all-country world CNG closure for twenty two equity index rose 0.5 percent to days a month will not provide 355.67.—APP any relief to masses deprived of economic fuel, said Ghiyas Abdullah Paracha, Chairman Supreme Council APCNGA. No business can remain viable when it operates for mere Have the spirit of eight days a month; he said addconquest: Thus you ing that CNG filling stations are can successfully battle no exception to the well-defined and overcome difficul- trade and industry principles. ties. Ghiyas Abdullah Paracha
(PPP) nor responsible neither answerable for the present energy crisis and the mess was the result of the poor polices of previous regimes she said. The Minister said the PPP government has formulated farreaching policies for bringing out the country out of energy crisis adding that PPP believes in practical work and fulfil all its promise. People would reject the political jugglers, which were busy in hoodwinking the masses through glittering slogans since long for their personal gains and to shine their political tuck-shop, she remarked. Dr Firdous further stated record development work in-
cluding provision of Sui gas and electricity had been provided in politically neglected and downtrodden areas of the country adding that it was PPP that drag the facility of gas in remotest areas across the country to mitigate the miseries of the suppressed people. There should be no ambiguity the upcoming general elections would be held on scheduled time but unfortunately some elements were trying to create misunderstanding about the election just gain cheap popularity, she said. On the occasion, the minister assured that problems confronted by the masses would be resolved on top priority basis.
APCNGA terms gas supply decision for Punjab unworkable said that CNG sector has no alternative available but the natural gas which is available in ample quantity as the weather has normalised reducing peak demand for the commodity. He said that the demand of gas has receded resulting in full pressure in the 8000 km SNGPL network leaving little room for authorities to keep masses deprived of CNG on one pretext or other. The gap in the demand and supply of gas could have been decreased if there was any will to contain leakages and control increasing theft, he lamented. Paracha said that government should immediately order reopening of all CNG outlets for seven days a week in order to
ensure relief to masses and keep CNG business feasible. The leader of CNG sector said that Adviser to the Prime Minister on Petroleum has triggered many disputes while he transformed the energy and CNG into chief controversial issue. The decisions of Dr. Asim deprived masses of economical fuel, left millions jobless and put at stake investments in the CNG sector which has not gone down well with any section of society as well as foreign investors, he said. Government should compensate CNG sector for losses and fix the responsibility on those who conspired for importing costly liquid gasses in country in the garb of resolving energy crisis, he demanded.
pra.punjab.gov.pk or phone No.042-37111632. Divisional Commissioner informed the seminar that focal persons at district and divisional level had been nominated to coordinate for undertaking PRA related assignments and collection of any data relating to the service sector business. Additional Commissioner PRA Shehzad Mehmud Gondal informed the participants about the details of Punjab Sales Tax on Service Act 2012 and said that 16 percent sales tax had been collected on services while 19.5 percent sales tax had been levied on telecommunication KARACHI: Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Haroon Agar is presector. senting memento to Arif Suleman, Honorary Advisor Royal Thai Govt and President of He also gave the details of PTFA&BF. composition of appellate terminal and advisory council.
PTCL values commitment, dedication by employees STAFF REPORTER ISLAMABAD—Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) stands committed in its resolve of development and welfare of its employees and deeply values the commitment and dedication exhibited by employees. Numerous initiatives have been taken in this regard. Recently, the company has provided motorcycles on ownership basis to its Customer Services Representatives and technicians of field units as part of the company’s employee development initiatives. This major initiative has been taken aligning the personal welfare of employees with business sustainability. In the first phase of this program, employees are being provided Motorcycles in 48 easy installments on ownership basis. In addition, 30 liters of fuel will also be provided by the company every month. This facilitation exercise brings convenience for the employees and also strengthens the field resources for provisioning of better services to the customers. Syed Mazhar Hussain, PTCL Senior Executive Vice President (SEVP) Human Resources said at the occasion, “PTCL recognizes its human resource at its most valuable asset and invests heavily in their development through various training initiatives and welfare activities. Our HR initiatives are geared towards creating a sustainable economic and social impact on the lives of our employees. This initiative will not only benefit and improve the productivity of our employees but also inspire them to deliver beyond our customers expectations.”
IMF welcomes moves to increase Indo-Pak trade STAFF REPORTER
WASHINGTON—The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has hailed Pakistani and Indian moves to expand bilateral trade, saying it will assist growth prospects. Laura Papi, Assistant Director, IMF, told reporters “definitely it is a positive move,” but note that the move alone will not be enough to help India regain high-growth rate. “It would definitely have some positive effects. But not sufficient by itself to bring India back to 8 percent,” she remarked, when questioned about the benefits of the increased trade. She explained that some trade between In-
dia and Pakistan is probably at the moment intermediated by other countries. “Of course to the extent that it becomes bilateral, the cost of trading will be reduced and will have a positive impact on growth, but it will not be all new trade. Overall definitely it is a positive move,” Papi said, when asked about the likely impact of increased bilateral trade on growth prospects. Discussing the 2013 staff report on Indian economic scenario, she said the outlook is for subdued growth and a fairly modest recovery for this year still accompanied by quite high inflation and elevated current account deficit.
All sectors should be research partners: Haq STAFF REPORTER ISLAMABAD—Deputy Chairman Planning Commission Dr. Nadeem-ul-Haq has called for involving local institutions and academia in research on every sector, including energy crisis, agriculture and poverty alleviation. He further underlined that the research for solution of any problem should come from down up rather than top management. Speaking at the opening session of “Second Research Competitive Grants Conference” organized by Pakistan Strategy Support Program (PSSP) and assisted by the USAID, he said that the local institutions and academia should be involved in research on every sector. He expressed the hope
that this would create a more enabling environment for investments and enterprise growth. He said that he has been trying to develop local research capability. He stated that the research and academia was not focused on the problems faced by the country. Nadeemul Haq said that research could help improve governance and achieve sustainable growth. About the growth strategy, he said that it focuses more on governance so that the country could have professional governance everywhere. The inaugural session was followed by a number of presentations on various research projects including menace of corruption and its impacts on the governance and economy.
Gem identification labs established STAFF REPORTER
ISLAMABAD—Pakistan Gems and Jewellery Development Company (PGJDC) has established five full-fledged and wellequipped gem identification labs in different cities, to provide facilities of gemstone testing and diamond grading. In these Gem Identification Labs, diamonds and other precious and semi-precious stones are examined according to their colour, shape, cutting style, weight and measurements. According to an official in PGJDC, reports are generated and certificates are issued to the customers of these Gem Labs. Gem Identification Labs are operational in the vicinities of Gem and Jewellery Training and Manufacturing Centers of Karachi, Lahore and Gilgit, and Gem Exchanges of Peshawar and Quetta. Official said identification and thorough evaluation of precious and semi-precious gemstones make it convenient for the buyers and sellers to agree upon a business deal which is just, transparent and free of inaccuracy. Official said modern machinery and state-of-the-art technology can be used to get the best assessment of a gemstone, adding however, high prices and maintenance cost associated with the machinery makes it difficult for an average worker to afford it. Absence of Gem Identification Lab, on the other hand, limits the understanding of gemstones and subsequently leads to the underselling of precious stones. Gem Identification Labs of PGJDC, are designed to provide testing and identification of gemstones, issuance of reports and certificates, introduction of latest techniques, tools.
USA
97.80
97.60
UK
153.76
153.45
EURO
131.17
130.91
Canada
98.01
97.81
Switzerland
106.58
106.36
Australia
100.57
100.37
Sweden
15.26
15.23
Japan
1.0463
1.0441
Norway
17.72
17.69
Singapore
78.89
78.73
Denmark
17.58
17.55
Omani Riyal
256.00
252.75
Saudi Arabia
26.08
26.02
Hong Kong
12.61
12.58
Kuwait
347.24
346.53
Malaysia
31.57
31.50
Newzeland
81.60
81.43
Qatar
26.86
26.81
UAE
26.63
26.57
KR WON
0.0894
0.0892
Thailand
3.282
3.275
Gold Tezab Silver Tezabi
53,700.00 968.57
Gold Tezabi (24-Ct) Gold 22 Ct SilverTezabi Silver Thobi
53,850.00 48,600.00 970.00 895.00
Masses spending three-fourths of income on food, housing STAFF REPORTER ISLAMABAD—People spend three-fourth of their total income on food and housing with consumption patterns varying significantly across provinces, according to Rural Household Survey 2012. This was revealed by Pakistan Rural Household Survey – 2012, which was distributed during the inaugural session of three days second Research Competitive Grants Conference organised by Pakistan Strategy Support Prgogramme (PSSP) of USAID, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) here on Friday. According to the survey, consumption patterns vary significantly across provinces as in Sindh, nearly 74 percent of income is spent on food, beverages and tobacco, as compared to 60.4 percent in Punjab and 57.5 percent in KP. In KP, households dedicate a much larger share of total expenditure for housing, fuel and lighting 22.7 percent compared to Punjab (16.8 percent) and Sindh (9.8 percent). Education is 2.32 percent of total expenditure in KP, 1.51 percent in Punjab and only 0.4 percent in Sindh. The survey also noted that households in lower expenditure quintiles allocate a larger share of total expenditure on basic commodities such as food and clothing compared to household in higher expenditure quintiles. The households in lower expenditure quintiles also have a larger share of expenditure on cereals and pulses, and lower share on meat, compared to households in higher expenditure quintiles. The majority of the households have extremely low access to sanitation facilities. The most common negative economic shock experienced by households is medical expenses on illnesses or injuries; 57 percent households had experienced such a shock during the last two years. The household survey collected information on a large number of topics, such as education, nature of employment, sources of income, time use, consumption patterns, economic shocks, and participation in social safety nets. The preliminary analysis, presented in the survey report, provides an important baseline for understanding rural poverty. Most of the results of the RHPS-2012 presented in this report are in line with the findings of nationally representative household surveys. The data indicates that rural population of Pakistan is relatively young with over one quarter of it is younger than 10 years, and 59 percent is under the age of 25.
Strike stalls industrial, commercial activities STAFF REPORTER KARACHI—The strike against the on-going targeted killings of religious scholars has adversely hit the commercial and industrial activities in the port city of the country, causing huge production and export losses. The strike call was given by Wafaq-ul-Madaris and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazal (JUI-F) and was supported by Jamaate-Islami and other political parties and groups. Public transport including goods carriers, buses and taxies stayed off the roads because of fears of riots and arson. Besides, all markets and commercial centers of the city also remained closed. The industrial units in the city were not able to operate on full capacity due to failure of their workers to report on duty owing to non-availability of pubic transport and closure of petrol pumps.
However, industrialists were hopeful that second shift in their units will work normally, as the situation started normalizing and public transport started returning to roads after 5:00 pm. The industrialists are of the view that the days are not far away when they would be compelled to close down their units permanently if the current law and order situation continues to prevail and religious and political parties continue to observe days of mourning or give strike calls. They opined that industries could not maintain production in prevailing closures of units on one or the other pretext. Due to the strike, up country and foreign shipments, processing of shipping documents, local supplies, procurement of raw material from the port, etc were also suffered. Senior Vice Chairman, Site Association of Industry (SAI),
Dr Qazi Ahmed Kamal said that industrial units in Site industrial area remain closed on Friday. He said he himself stayed at home and remained in touch with industrialists on phone. Most of the banks were also closed due to fear and panic in the area, he informed He pointed that most of the industrial units disburse salaries to their workers between 5 to 10 of very month. Closures of banks caused many problems including failure of salary disbursement and others, which were delayed by three days as banks would remain closed on Saturday and Sunday. Chairman, Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI), Zubair Chhaya, said few units remained in operation as only some workers living in nearby areas turned up. But, he said, they failed to reach optimum production due to nonavailability of majority of workers.
PHDEC must focus on ASEAN to enhance horticulture export ISLAMABAD—Chief Executive & rice and thirteenth largest pro- Failure to do so, China will tap Officer Harvest Tradings, Ahmad Jawad has said that Pakistan needs to focus on trade with ASEAN countries in agriculture sector that will annually help us to add $1 billion to our national kitty. Talking to INP on Saturday, Ahmed Jawad said that Pakistan-ASEAN free trade agreement (FTA) must be taken on board, so that it opens a 1.7 billion consumer market to the member countries with a combined GDP of $2.3 trillion. Our rice, fresh fruits and floriculture sector will be eye catching products for ASEAN countries if we initiate necessary steps in letter & spirit, he said adding that we are the fifth largest producer of mangoes, fourth largest producer of dates
ducer of citrus. Jawad called on ASEAN & Pakistan to establish the working group on Agriculture to facilitate promotion of joint research for development of technologies for increasing production and productivity in agricultural and allied sectors, efficient management of natural resources, development of joint ventures and exchange of technologies. ASEAN includes Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei Darussalam, Vietnam, Lao PDR, Myanmar and Cambodia. CEO Harvest Tradings said that currently we have started the process with Malaysia and Indonesia under Free Trade Agreement in this region, but still a lot of room is available.
in this region 100%. We want to be profitable in agri sector, we should those markets in which we sustain easily; he said. Pakistan Horticulture Development & Export Company (PHDEC) must look towards encouraging exports of fresh products. The country’s exports of fresh fruits and vegetables are in great demand in the non-traditional markets and there is urgent need to exploit these markets. He further said that due attention should be paid to research and development (R & D) without which achieving targets would be difficult. It is time government accelerates its efforts to attain more meaningful market access, PHDEC & Ministry of Commerce may chalk out a detailed plan.—INP
NBP lauded for its active role STAFF REPORTER KARACHI—People from different walks of life applauded NBP for its role in different sectors of like as community development, disaster relief, women emancipation, infrastructure development, environment, water purification and sanitation, special children, sports and culture, education and health. The Sindh Provincial Minister for Women Development Mrs. Tauqeer Fatma Bhutto, who was the chief guest at 3rd Corporate Ambassador award ceremony organized at a local hotel in Karachi. Mrs. Bhutto said that we must appreciate the good efforts of all individuals and institutions or organizations and also acknowledge their positive efforts played for the betterment of the society. She also applauded National Bank of Pakistan efforts in curbing cancer and also stressed the need to join hands in hands with the Bank to fight cancer collectively as a nation and society. The event was attended by dignitaries, writers, journalists and showbiz industry. During
Adamjee Life withdraws acquisition of American Life
APPMA praises CM Punjab STAFF REPORTER
ISHTIAQ HUSSAIN SIDDIQUI
LAHORE—All Pakistan Paper Merchants Association (APPMA) has paid rich tributes to the Chief Minister Punjab Mian Shahbaz Sharif for timely completion of Metro Bus Service project. APPMA leader Khamis Saeed Butt, President Muhammad Ajmal and Vice President Khawaja Nadeem Saeed Wayeen said that Metro Bus Service project is historical achievement of the Punjab government that would not only give a big relief to the masses but would also highlight the image of country as a good destination. Paper merchants said that completion of this mega project in just eleven-month time is enough to prove that Chief Minister Punjab has ability to turn the Punjab in a hub of trade and economic activities. Khamis Saeed Butt and Khawaja Nadeem Saeed Wayeen said that Metro Bus Project would also help in solving the awful issue of traffic messes. The project would ease the traffic congestion on the busiest roads. They said that business community would extend its best cooperation to the CM and supplement his efforts for the progress and prosperity of Punjab.
HE trade and industry is already deeply and passionately divided on the issue. For and against lobbies on the issue of Indo – Pakistan trade have failed to achieve a consensus. Those among trade and industry against granting MFN status to India before resolving the nagging issues of Non Tariff Barriers (NTBs) and Technical Barriers to Trade (TBTs) facing Pakistani goods trying to enter Indian market, got a great boost with the entry of agriculturalist lobby into the debate. The agriculturist lobby jumped into the fray after ably organized by Sughra Imam. She reportedly made a strong case in the Presidency and was able to register successfully the reservations of the agriculturist lobby. Working behind the scene and shunning media attention she has successfully turned the tide against pro-India lobby – at least for the time being. The Cabinet in a meeting on January 03, 2013, reiterated its resolve to grant MFN status to India. It directed the Ministry of Commerce to “……. implement the decision of February 28, 2012, in letter and spirit”. This opened floodgates of statements from all and sundry. The issue has become even more controversial as time passes. In addition to the hardening of positions of the opposing viewpoints in industry and trade, the Government functionaries themselves have revealed deep divisions inside different ministries and arms of the Government. While Makhdoom Shahab-ud-Din, Federal Minister for Textile Industry and FidaousAshiqAwan now holding the portfolio of National Regulations and Services openly opposed Ms. Khar the Foreign Minister in the Cabinet meeting of January 3rd, national press also reported deep division among the Foreign Ministry itself. While Hina Rabbani Khar was taking a strong stand in the Cabinet meeting to grant MFN status to India her own secretary Jalil Abbas Jilani, while taking to media in the parliament house stated that “Pakistan has some reservations about granting MFN status to India”. A very rare show of defiance at these levels.Makhdoom Amin Fahim another senior member of the Government and the Federal Minister for Commerce has said that MFN process is under review as India has failed to deliver on its commitments to allow access to Pakistani products. In Islamabad and in the industrial hubs of Karachi and Lahore a report by Mr. Tasneem Noorani, former Secretary of Commerce is gaining attention. This rather well written report with arguments supported by facts and figures has somehow till now sailed around under the radar. The author has also not found space on debating forums as presumably the pro-Indian lobby with strong support from International quarters was much influential till recently. With change in government apparent and the deadline of 2014 for withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan drawing closer the tide seems to be turning. Noorani report states“The key to trading with the ‘enemy’ therefore, is of mutual benefit. As mentioned earlier in this piece, Pakistan’s export to India was US $ 288 million in 2004-2005, while it was US $ 264 million in 2010-2011, a decline of 8% while India’s export in 2004- 2005 to Pakistan was US $547 million and US $ 1743 million in 2010-2011, an increase of 218%. Now this is a discomforting scenario, considering that Pakistan is not even working on MFN basis, and the trend is already adverse. What could happen to the balance of trade when India is given the MFN and imports of many items will be allowed?” Following are some of the major issues relating to Indian NTBs faced by Pakistan: a. Custom documentation: Custom’s extensive documentation inhibits free flow of goods. These delays are due to complex tariff structure and multiple exemptions. Instructions in a consolidated form are not available in one volume.
US growth seen breaking W ASHINGTO N —The
US economy likely grew at its slowest pace in nearly two years in the fourth quarter as businesses added less stock to their warehouses and government spending fizzled, setting it up for a difficult start in 2013. Gross domestic product probably expanded at a 1.1 percent annual rate, braking sharply from a 3.1 percent clip in the third quarter, according to a poll of economists. That would mark the weakest growth pace since the first quarter of 2011 and it would show the economy entering the new year with little momentum. However, an anticipated pick-up in consumer spending and a rebound in business investment should give the recovery a fighting chance even as Washington tightens its belt.— Newswire
Rates of commodities LAHORE—Agriculture Market-
the event NBP was given an award which was received by Executive Vice President, Mr. Irtiza Kazmi on behalf of President NBP, Dr. Asif A. Brohi. Mr. Kazmi thanked the audience and said, NBP will continue its commitment of serving the nation and will always stand with the nation shoulder to shoulder in all times to come. NBP is the largest banking institution of the country; the Bank has converted its entire branch network completely
online and has the fastest growing overseas correspondent base for home remittances. From Corporate and Retail Banking to Agriculture and Islamic Banking, NBP is offering valuable services in almost all the areas of banking. Apart from this NBP has taken major steps in the areas of risk management, information technology, operations and human resources and the bank is also fulfilling its commitment towards the community.
Tax evaders to face consequences: Hakeem
STAFF REPORTER
STAFF REPORTER
KARACHI—Adamjee Life Assurance Company Limited has announced to withdraw its intention to acquire 81.97 percent shares and control of American Life Insurance Company (Pakistan) Limited due to a recent acquisition of American Life Insurance Company (Pakistan) Limited by IGI Insurance Limited. This announcement, they made in a letter to Karachi Stock Exchange (KSE) on which was later issued by KSE stating that: On behalf of our client, Adamjee Life Assurance Company Limited (collectively herein referred to as “Adamjee” or the “Client”), we Next Capital Limited, as ‘Manager to the Offer’ hereby submit Adamjee’s announcement to withdraw its intention to acquire 81.97 percent shares and Control of American Life Insurance Company (Pakistan) Limited due to a recent acquisition of American Life Insurance Company (Pakistan) Limited by IGI Insurance Limited. Adamjee had intimated its ‘Public Announcement of Intention to Acquire’ the above captioned shares in American Life Insurance Company (Pakistan) Limited on October 19, 2012.
LAHORE —Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Chairman Ali Arshad Hakeem has warned that the tax evaders and smugglers will have to face legal consequences. ‘We as a nation should rise against tax evaders and those who help them,’ he said while talking to media persons at the passing out ceremony of 39th batch of Inland Revenue Services (IRS) officers. Replying to a query he said there had been no political pressure on the FBR ever, as every government wanted to collect maximum tax for developmental schemes. He said that their strategy would be to detect and take action against big tax evaders and it would discourage the smaller ones. To another question he said that the Board would fully collaborate with the election commission if contacted. Earlier, speaking to the passing out officers, he said that only 800,000 people out of a population of 180 million were paying taxes. It is just 0.3 per cent of the total population and our tax to GDP ratio is 9.1 per cent only. He said 11,000 companies are
paying taxes and to collect it there are 27,000 people. He was of the view that tax collection and war against terrorism are two biggest challenges being faced by the nation. ‘Our brave soldiers are fighting against terrorism and job of tax collectors is no less important than them,’ he said and added that we have to collect maximum revenue for hospitals, schools, defence and a better future for the nation. Ali Arshad Hakeem urged the young officers to prepare themselves for the challenge that comes with the job. He said our region has witnesses a huge growth in the recent times, but Pakistan missed the opportunity. “However, there is still a time for Pakistan to avail the opportunity; the tax collectors should ensure revenue collection, which fuel economic growth in the country,” he added. He observed that people do not like to pay taxes but it is the duty of the FBR workforce to ensure that they pay taxes. He regretted that tax evasion is a part of life. He urged the officers to make life ‘painful’ for the tax evaders and smugglers. He said that they would see how powerful this lobby is.
Pakistan must define rules of engagement for trade with India
ing Information Service Punjab (AMISP) issued rates of agriculture products in local market on Saturday. The following are 100 kg rates of different agriculture products in Lahore market: Maize minimum Rs 2300 and maximum 2500, Rice Super Karnal Basmati (New) minimum Rs 10000 and maximum Rs 11000, Rice Basmati (old) minimum Rs 11500 and maximum Rs 13000, white sugar minimum Rs 4960 and maximum Rs 4960, white gram (local) minimum Rs 10000 and maximum Rs 10000, Red Chili Whole (Dry) minimum Rs 13000 maximum Rs 15000, Cauliflower minimum Rs 200 and maximum Rs 400, Onion minimum Rs 1800 and maximum Rs 2300, Tomato minimum Rs 3500 and maximum Rs 4000, Ginger (china) minimum Rs 9500 and maximum Rs 10500, Garlic (China) minimum Rs 10000 and maximum Rs 11500, Peas minimum Rs 1600 and maximum Rs 2000.—APP
T
LCCI advised to bring disputes M2 growth to stay 15.5 pc before mediation body STAFF REPORTER L AHORE —The Convener
LCCI-IFC Mediation Centre Sohail Lashari has urged the LCCI members to bring their disputes, if any, to LCCI Mediation Centre for their out-of-court settlement as all rules and regulations to this regard have been finalised. Lashari said that since the Mediation Centre has now been fully operation, therefore, LCCI members who have their disputes their global partners should approach this centre as it is accredited by International Finance Corporation (IFC) of the World Bank Group. The LCCI Convener was talking to IFC Representative Reshma Aftab here at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He said that the Mediation KARACHI—Two ships arrived Centre has been established to to Load/offload cement at m-w, help private sector companies reparaxylne at EVTL on Friday. Berth occupancy was maintained at 57% at the Port on Monday where a total of eight ships namely M.V KPS-I Alican Bey-Powership, M.V African Eagle, M.V Tai Hawk, M.V Star Masaya, M.V HR Margaretha, STAFF REPORTER M.V Dynamic Ocean, M.T Al Salam-II, M.T Bhai Ravi, are LAHORE—Wheat has been culcurrently occupying berths to tivated on 0.7 million acres less load/offload, rice, cement, land against the target of above paraxylene, diesel oil, iron ore 10 million acres land this year pellets. in Punjab. Cargo handling operations These views were expressed were carried out smoothly at the by Pakistan Agri Forum ChairPort where a cargo volume man Muhammad Ibrahim 61165 tonnes comprising 44243 Mughal while talking to media tonnes import, 16922 tones ex- on Saturday. He feared that 1 port and (NIL) Tues was million tonnes less wheat would handled at the Port during last be obtained due to lack of proper 24 hours. attention by the department conM.T Bhai Ravi sailed on cerned. Saturday morning, M.V Cape He said hike in prices of Flores, M.V MSC Sierra-II at fertiliser, seeds and other agriQict arrive on Saturday as per culture inputs not only reduced schedule.—APP their use but also affected agri-
Shipping activity at PQ
b. Import Licenses: While Pakistan has done away with the need for import licenses, India continues to use these especially for the import of vehicles and motorcycles. c. Food items: The precaution of Adulteration of Food Rules 1955 relating to packing and labeling has 30 provisos and provisos within provisos. After these, the Post Health Officer draws samples to be sent to the Central Food Laboratory. The report has actual examples of non-tariff and technical measures being employed by India against Pakistani products. One feels that this report may soon become rallying call for the groups calling for level playing field for Pakistani products. It is a document that is far removed from the papers so far produced mostly by western trained and sponsored Pakistani academics. Local trading oriented business interests happily support such initiatives. Such reports tend to conclude first and analyze latter. In such an environment, the far more analytical and well thought out Indian position gets an intellectual advantage, something both Siri Lanka and Bangladesh have suffered from. It is high time Pakistanis analyze first and position their talks accordingly. They can take a cue from Tasneem Noorani report. The debate within the Government and between the trade and industry lobbies is for some good reason. In an environment where a small border scrimmage can reverse as advance an initiative as the present trade normalization negotiations between the two nations and that too under the strong “parental guidance” of worlds only military super power and other economic giants of our time should force our economic managers to consider what this nation has learned over its 65 years history. Pakistan cannot allow its economic independence also be threatened as soon as its geographic integrity is under threat. If our major source of raw material and food stuff is from India and, with lot of good luck, our major export destination of finished and semi finished products also becomes India, the billion dollar question is “what will be the fate of our economic independence in case of a firing incidence somewhere along the thousands of miles of Pak-India border?” Where your hockey players are turned back and your women team is threatened and not allowed to stay in hotels and your students and academia are forced to commute between cities for more than 72 hours to get registered with police and other security apparatus, what will be the fate of our businessmen and businesses? Do we hear any answers? The way forward has to sprout from a well thought out and analyzed plan by Pakistani intellectuals and negotiators. Sustainable trade relations have to be a win-win situation for both countries. One sided trade cannot be sustainable. Any amount of sponsored intellectual hammering cannot fool “all the people all the time”. Rules of the game have to be defined which are fair to both trading partners. Pakistan has to position its talks on concrete facts on the ground and not try to fool itself by suggesting to its business community that once the MFN is granted to India all Indian NTBs will come down automatically and access to Pakistani products and services to Indian market with naturally follow. We have examples of Brazil and even Argentina who got successful deals from their very strong neighbor and the NAFTA block is an example of a successful trading block. Credit for NAFTA’s success has to be given to USA also as they were willing partner in the “Big Brother Approach”. On the other hand the “Big Bang Approach” that called to open all trade and asked to put faith in market forces to take care of the rest has run into a solid wall of sorts as in case of European Union. Pakistan need not put its sovereignty on line just to appease a few quarters – either local or foreign. — The writer is CEO of S.M. Engineering & Metal Works
solve disputes quickly and easily as in commercial courts, cases are often expensive and take a long time. Businesses are often hindered by long and costly court procedures and the LCCI Mediation Centre will help them resolve disputes amicably, allowing them to devote more resources to growing and creating jobs. Lashari said that the centre is a historic achievement for the business community of Lahore, adding that the scope of this centre would be extended to other chambers of commerce in Punjab by signing memoranda of understanding with them, according to the statement. “We will also communicate to the regional and international business community through their relevant government officials, leading chambers, sector associations, banks, multilateral development institutions and diplomatic missions.”
Wheat cultivation misses target culture growth. Ibrahim Mughal said that it was the need of the time to update the agriculture department on modern lines so that Punjab could make progress like Sindh. He alleged that Punjab agriculture department employees were running their own business in collaboration with private companies and also getting salaries from the government. He said that was why the production target of major crops could not be achieved. He said that agriculture policies were not according to the needs of land and urged the Punjab government to review them to improve the sector.
STAFF REPORTER KARACHI—The State Bank of Pakistan has projected that M2 growth for FY13 will remain in the range of 15.5 to 16.5 percent due to rising government’s borrowing requirements and an expected substantial fiscal deficit. According to Monetary Policy Statement, this assessment also includes the impact of an increase in the wheat support price by Rs150 per 40kg and the contractionary impact of a weak external position. However, the MPS said that the contribution of private sector credit in the expected growth in M2 is projected to remain miniscule compared to the contribution of fiscal borrowings from the banking system. On the fiscal side, government borrowing from the banking system continued unabated in H1-FY13 switching between the SBP and the scheduled banks. The government borrowings from the scheduled banks have crowded out the private sector credit and were a primary source of monetary expansion during H1-FY13, it added. The persistent borrowing of the government from scheduled banks was also a major source of liquidity pressures in the market. Consequently, the SBP continued to inject large amounts of liquidity into the system to ensure smooth functioning of the market and payment system stability. The SBP has pointed out that structural factors and low utilization of credit by private businesses in the economy is the other main reason for stagnant economic growth. Given the large borrowing needs of the government, scheduled banks also preferred investment in government securities over loans to the private sector, it added.
Opposition slams devaluation CARACAS—Opposition leaders derided another currency devaluation by President Hugo Chavez’s government as evidence of economic incompetence, while some anxious Venezuelans packed stores in fear of price increases. Though unseen in public since cancer surgery two months ago in Cuba, government ministers said Chavez personally ordered the fifth devaluation of the bolivar in a decade of socialist economics in the OPEC nation - this time by 32 percent. “The MaduroCabello duo are finishing off our Venezuela, we must not allow it!” said opposition leader Henrique Capriles, accusing Vice President Nicolas Maduro and Congress head Diosdado Cabello of squandering revenue from high oil prices. “They spent the money on (election) campaigning, corruption and gifts abroad. What a lying government!” Capriles said on Twitter. The measure was announced before a four-day weekend for Venezuela’s Carnival holiday to minimize political or market repercussions. It had been widely forecast by economists as a way of redressing distortions including a black market rate for dollars at four times the old official level of 4.3 bolivars. Raising the rate to 6.3 bolivars will boost state finances by providing more local currency for each dollar of oil export revenue. But it also hikes prices for imports crucial to the oil-dependent economy, potentially fueling inflation - though the state will seek to brake that using price controls. Maduro, who is Chavez’s preferred successor should his cancer force a new presidential election, said the move was needed to optimize revenues, including to fund flagship social programs that are wildly popular among Venezuela’s poor. He said the devaluation was also a response to attacks on the bolivar by capitalist “speculators,” adding that more economic measures would be announced in the days ahead, in line with Chavez’s instructions to ministers who visited Havana.—Reuters
Syrian refugees flooding in Lebanon need camps
B EIRUT —Lebanon should consider setting up transit centers to absorb the waves of refugees fleeing neighboring Syria and may have to establish formal refugee camps if the influx continues, a United Nations refugee official said. The tiny and fragile Mediterranean state already hosts 260,000 refugees - equivalent to 6.5 percent of its population - and has sought to absorb them in homes and communities, fearing large camps of Sunni Muslim Syrians could inflame sectarian tensions still smouldering from its own 1975-1990 civil war. But the accelerating exodus from Syria’s bloodshed means
that the number of Syrians seeking help in Lebanon is growing by 3,000 a day, leaving authorities and the UNHCR refugee agency struggling to provide for them. “We have this very tiny country ... a quarter of the size of Switzerland, with a population of 4 million people, taking in 260,000 refugees,” UNHCR representative in Lebanon Ninette Kelley told Reuters late on Friday. “I think what we need to start doing is to prepare for an eventuality whereby we may not be able to find enough shelter and accommodation given the current level of demand.” “We have advised the government
that it may be a time to start having at least two transit sites,” she said, where refugees could be offered temporary food and shelter before other accommodation is found. “As a start, that would be a good thing.” UNHCR has also made contingency plans to establish formal refugee camps if the mass influx continues, though that would have to be with Lebanese government permission, she said. “We do plan for camps. We pre-position stocks, we make sure we have done assessments and that we are ready to go in that eventuality,” she said in an interview at UNHCR headquarters in southern Beirut.
FUND: Reluctance to set up refugee camps stems in part from historic sensitivities over the waves of Palestinian refugees who fled from Israel, some of whom became central players in Lebanon’s destructive civil war. The issue also highlights the country’s current political divide. Some of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s Lebanese foes openly called for camps to be set up, hoping it would highlight the scale of his crackdown on the nearly two-year-old uprising in which an estimated 60,000 people have been killed. The government of Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati, dominated by Assad allies includ-
A L -T IWANEH —The Israeli military prevented Palestinians from setting up an encampment on Saturday to protest at Jewish settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank, land where they seek statehood. With peace talks stalled for more than two years, grassroots Palestinian activism has been on the rise. Four tent camps - dubbed nascent Palestinian towns by the activists - have been erected and swiftly dismantled by the Israelis since last month. A military spokeswoman said soldiers evicted around 20 Palestinians on Saturday morning as they tried to erect a clus-
BEIRUT—It was an extraordinary moment
Egypt PM in hot water over ‘remarks’ CAIRO—Egypt’s prime minister faces accusations of being out of touch with the country’s crisis after televised comments blaming rural infant sickness on mothers not washing their breasts. Hisham Kandil, a former irrigation minister widely seen as a stolid technocrat, was speaking at a meeting with journalists broadcast on state television this week when he veered into a ramble on the “miseries” of life in rural Egypt. “In my work, I’ve gone around the countryside,” he said. “There are villages in Egypt, in the 21st century, where children get diarrhoea ... because the mothers who nurse them, out of ignorance, do not maintain personal cleanliness of their breasts.” Recalling a visit to the Beni Suef area south of Cairo in 2004, he spoke of the dire conditions of village life. “There’s no water, there’s no sewerage,” he said. “The men go to the mosque ... the women go down to the fields and get raped.” He appeared to be responding to complaints about a series of attacks and rapes of political activists in Cairo in recent weeks, citing the case of a man who was caught on video being beaten and dragged naked by police. “I don’t know Hamada (Saber), well, I know him like you do, but I am 99 percent sure he doesn’t pay his electricity bill,” the prime minister said of the victim of that videoed beating. His remarks unleashed a storm of criticism, much of it reflecting a sense of economic and political malaise that has settled over the country since an uprising two years ago that toppled veteran autocratic President Hosni Mubarak. Dina Abdel Fattah, a talk show host on the independent Tahrir channel questioned why the head of government had dwelt on the subject when Egypt was in a state of “darkness”. At least 59 people died in 10 days of protests that started late last month over what demonstrators see as Islamist President Mohamed Mursi’s attempts to monopolise power as well as broader economic and political grievances. “Imagine. Our prime minister is talking about this today, when we have martyrs in the street, we have people getting killed every day, when we have entire provinces in a state of unrest,” Abdel Fattah said on her show.—Reuters
Japan to release radar event data TOKYO—Japan may release data it says will prove a Chinese naval vessel directed its fire control radar at a Japanese destroyer near disputed islands in the East China Sea, local media reported. Japan has said a Chinese frigate on January 30 locked its targeting radar on a Japanese destroyer - a step that usually precedes the firing of weapons - but China insists that its vessel used only ordinary surveillance radar. The incident has added to tensions between the two nations over the disputed islands. Japan will consider how much normally classified data it can release, the media reports said, citing comments by Japan Defence Minister Itsunori Onodera on local television. “The government is considering the extent of what can be disclosed,” Kyodo news agency quoted Onodera as saying. China has accused Japan of smearing its name with the accusations, and on Saturday, the official Xinhua news agency continued the war of words. “By spreading false accusations and posing as a poor victim, Japan had intended to tarnish China’s image so as to gain sympathy and support, but a lie does not help,” it said in an English language commentary. “China has been exercising maximum restraint and stayed committed to solving the dispute through dialogue and consultation.” Japan and China have been involved in a series of incidents in recent months in the East China Sea where Chinese and Japanese naval vessels regularly shadow each others movements. Both countries claim a small clusters of islands, known as Diaoyu in China and Senkaku in Japan, believed to be rich in oil and gas. Controlled by Japan, possession of the uninhabited outcrops and the sea surrounding them would provide China with easier access to the Pacific. Hopes had been rising for an easing in tensions, including a possible summit between Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Chinese Communist Party chief Xi Jinping. But the radar issue has seen China and Japan engage in a fresh round of invective. China’s Defence Ministry on Thursday said Japan’s complaints did not “match the facts”. —Reuters
were living in inadequate winter shelter. UNHCR has increased registration of new refugees to 40,000 a month, but even that may not keep pace with new arrivals and its capacity is stretched to the limit. Kelley said that despite last month’s U.N. conference in Kuwait, when $1.5 billion was pledged for Syrian humanitarian aid, U.N. operations inside Lebanon had so far only received 15 percent of their funding requirements. “Our problem right now is we simply don’t have enough funds to do 100 percent coverage of registered refugees and all the new arrivals,” she said.—Reuters
Israeli troops dismantle Palestinian protest camp
Iran President defies supreme leader in the history of the Islamic Republic. Live on state radio, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and parliamentary speaker Ali Larijani exchanged insult after insult in the assembly chamber last Sunday as shocked lawmakers shouted their disapproval. The stormy session peaked when Ahmadinejad aired a video showing Larijani’s brother Fazel allegedly seeking a bribe in exchange for political favours from one of Ahmadinejad’s closest allies, former Tehran prosecutor Saeed Mortazavi. But the real struggle that played out amid the accusations and posturing pits Ahmadinejad against the man at the top of the system in Iran - Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In late October, Khamenei warned that any top officials from the three branches of the state who bickered publicly, particularly in the lead-up to a presidential election in June, would be guilty of treason. Ahmadinejad, approaching the end of his second term and unable to run again straight away but keen to protect his legacy and his welfare, has ignored that warning this month. “To openly challenge Khamenei publicly is unprecedented. It will have long-term repercussions. It shows that Khamenei does not have the authority he once did,” said Abbas Milani, director of the Iranian Studies programme at Stanford University. The impression that top government officials are embezzling money rather than addressing the needs of the masses could lead to unrest, analysts say. “Khamenei is afraid that with the bad economic situation, the economic disgruntlement could turn into political disgruntlement,” said Mehdi Khalaji, a senior fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy.—Reuters
ing Hezbollah, preferred to support aid efforts to house the refugees in homes and schools in their own Sunni Muslim communities. Aid workers say that the political concerns constrained their ability to help during the first year of the conflict, particularly in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley, where pockets of Christians, proHezbollah Shi’ite Muslims and Sunni Muslim supporters of the armed Syrian rebels live close by. They are still struggling. A report by the French aid group Medecins Sans Frontieres said half the refugees in Lebanon were not receiving sufficient medical care and many more
ter of steel-framed tents near AlTiwaneh, a Palestinian village south of the city of Hebron. “We came here to build a Palestinian village upon Palestinian land, and to freely use our land in the way we want as Palestinians have rights and own this land,” activist Younis Araar said. Hebron and its surroundings have Jewish settlements whose growth Israel views as its biblical and security prerogative. Most world powers deem Israel’s settlement of land it seized in the 1967 Middle East war illegal, and Palestinians fear the hilltop enclaves will deny them a viable state. —Reuters
Indonesian president takes over graft-hit party A protester kicks a tear gas canister, which was earlier thrown by riot police, during clashes near the cemetery where slain JAKARTA—Indonesia’s presiTunisian opposition leader Chokri Belaid is buried, in the Jebel Jelloud district of Tunis. dent has stepped in to take over his ruling party, so damaged by a series of corruption scandals that even its senior members concede it faces a rout in elections next year. One of his ministers was felled in December after being named as a suspect KABUL—A government official in a bribery investigation by a BEIJING—Chinese New Year Jinping to oppose waste, a vil- waste following a “Clear the says a roadside bomb has struck powerful anti-corruption agency is traditionally a time for color- lage just outside of Beijing has Plate” campaign by netizens a car in southern Afghanistan, which has in recent months sunk ful and noisy displays of fire- canceled its mass dumpling fes- calling on restaurants to cut killing six civilians. The spokes- its teeth into several politicians, works and generous-portioned tival that has been taking place down food waste. His words man for the governor of south- including top members of the banquets. This year, the festivi- for the past 30 years, involves sparked off an anti-food waste ern Helmand province said Sat- country’s most successful Musties are likely to be a little more hundreds of people and draws campaign in state media. He had urday two women and four men lim-based party. The latest issue surrounds “We already launched a crackdown were killed in the blast in the austere. Authorities have asked television cameras. the chairman of the ruling planned to make about 50,000 against government extravaNad Ali district. the public to set off fewer fireParty, Anas Spokesman Ahmad Zeerak Democrat works in Beijing to reduce pol- dumplings and now the plan has gance, aimed at cutting corruplution, a new anti-extravagance been canceled,” said a woman tion by officials, which angers says those killed were all “inno- Urbaningrum, who has been drive has prompted government surnamed Wang from the the general public and threatens cent civilians and from one fam- linked to a graft case surroundily.” He says they were driving ing the construction of a sports officials and state-owned com- Liuminying village committee’s the party’s hold on power. Capsulizing the new mood, home from a nearby village in stadium, and whom President panies to cancel their banquets tourist office. “The flour bought at high-end hotels and a cam- for the festival will be distrib- the website of the Global Times their own car when the explo- Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono efpaign against food waste is lead- uted to the villagers and we newspaper on Wednesday dis- sion occurred at about 7 p.m. fectively pushed from his post on Friday night following his ing to half-portions in restau- haven’t bought the meat yet. played a photo of workers at a Friday. Helmand province has been return from an overseas trip. rants. Even ads for luxury goods Villagers will make dumplings power supply company in eastwere pulled ahead of Saturday’s at home with their own families ern Anhui province writing “cut the focus of several U.S.-led “While I am sorting things out opening of the seven-day holi- and they may feel like this is a down waste” slogans on bal- offensives, but it remains one of ... I am giving (Anas) time to new experience for them since loons. The Beijing city govern- the most dangerous areas in the focus on his KPK (Corruption day. Eradication Agency) legal case,” All in all, China’s Lunar they haven’t done it that way for ment together with catering as- country.—AP Yudhoyono told reporters at his sociations announced that the New Year is shaping up to be a such a long time.” home on Friday night. Xi recently called for people restaurant industry should reLeaner New Year. Following a However, the president said to be more frugal and oppose duce food waste.—AP call by China’s new leader Xi Anas remained party chairman, counter to what media have said was a strong push by senior party members to have Anas ousted completely and try to reL ONDON —Authorities in pair the party’s tattered image. northern England have charged Indonesia has long been listed a 24 year-old man with threat- as among the world’s most graftening to kill 200 people in a ridden societies. But it is only more recently, Facebook posting that caused power stations. The airport in lion need urgent help. Those DAMASCUS—President Bashar Assad has reshuffled his Cabi- Syria’s largest city and commer- numbers could rise if fighting thousands of Tennessee children to stay home from school. net, appointing new ministers to cial hub, Aleppo, is closed due continues, he said. He said the humanitarian Northumbria police say Reece handle an economy ravaged by to fighting. The U.S. dollar totwo years of uprising and civil day exchanges for around 95 situation in Syria had reached Elliott, 24, from South Shields, war, Syria’s state media reported Syrian pounds at the black mar- “catastrophic” proportions, with east of Newcastle, has been Saturday. State TV said the min- ket, about half its value of 47 some 2.5 million people lacking charged with making malicious istries that were changed are pounds to the dollar when the food. Syria’s Information Minis- comments which led to 2,900 ter Omran al-Zoubi meanwhile children skipping class in War- B AGHDAD —At least five those of oil, finance, social af- crisis began in March 2011. The presidential decrees is- said Damascus is ready for dia- ren County, Tennessee. fairs, labor, housing, public people were killed and more Police were stationed this than 25 wounded in a rocket atworks, and agriculture. Key se- sued Saturday said that what used logue with the opposition withweek at schools in McMinnville, tack on an Iranian dissident curity ministries such as defense to be the Ministry of Labor and out pre-conditions. Al-Zoubi said that the gov- the seat of Warren County, 70 camp in Iraq’s capital Baghdad and interior remained un- Social Affairs has been split into two posts, apparently to give the ernment is ready to invite every- miles (110 kilometers) north- early on Saturday, police sources changed. Saturday’s announcement new Ministry of Social Affairs one to engage in dialogue, so long west of Chattanooga. The online said. comes amid major shortages. responsibility for rising numbers as they lay down their weapons. posting threatening gun violence The dissident group Power outages are common and of people who have fled from one He says anyone who responds was made anonymously on a Mujahadin-e-Khalq (MEK) said Syrians in some areas must stand part of the country to another to will not be harmed. It is the lat- memorial page set up for a Ten- six people including a woman in hours-long lines for bread and escape the fighting. Jens Laerke, est of a series of tentative peace nessee student who died in Oc- died after its camp was hit by gasoline. The civil war, which a spokesman for the U.N. Office feelers made by some spokesmen tober. Police did not address the mortars and missiles, while the has killed more than 60,000 for the Coordination of Humani- on both sides. But the rebel motive behind the posting. U.N. mission in Iraq said it was Northumbria police said in aware of a number of deaths. people, has also heavily dam- tarian Affairs, said Tuesday that movement is highly decentralaged infrastructure like oil pipe- 2 million people have been dis- ized and deeply distrusts the re- a statement Saturday that they MEK calls for the overthrow were cooperating with authori- of Iran’s clerical leaders and lines, bridges and water and placed inside Syria while 4 mil- gime.—Reuters ties in Warren County.—AP fought alongside the forces of former Sunni dictator Saddam Hussein in the Iran-Iraq war in the 1980s. It is now seeking to recast itself as an Iranian opposition force but is no longer welcome in Iraq under the Shi’ite Muslim-led government that came to power after U.S.-led PARIS—A former U.S. ambassa- by ransoms paid in recent years. the U.S. before retiring, told BRUSSELS—A small passenger forces invaded and toppled dor to Mali has alleged that France In February 2011, three of the France’s iTele network that the plane crashed at Belgium’s Saddam in 2003. paid a $17 million ransom to free hostages seized at a French ura- French money allowed al-Qaida’s Charleroi airport on Saturday, Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri alhostages seized from a French nium mine in Niger including one North Africa branch to flourish in killing five people and closing the Maliki is heavily reliant on airport that is a hub for Ryanair Shi’ite Iran and leans on Tehran mining site cash she said ulti- Frenchwoman were freed; four Mali. “Although governments and other low-cost carriers. mately funded the al-Qaida- remain in the hands al-Qaidafor political support at home and deny that they’re paying ran- The aircraft, a Cessna, had prob- in the wider Sunni-dominated linked Islamist militants its troops linked militants in Mali. The Islamist rebels retreating soms, everyone is pretty much lems on takeoff and tried to re- region, where he has few are now fighting. French officials, whose soldiers are pushing north northward are apparently taking aware that money has passed turn to Charleroi airport but friends. The attack struck the into the territory where the miss- their Western hostages with them hands indirectly through differ- crashed on the side of the run- group’s base in the former U.S. ing captives are believed to be among them the mine workers and ent accounts and it ends up in the way, Belgian news agency military compound “Camp Libheld, denied paying any ransoms. three other French citizens seized treasury, let us say, of al-Qaida Belga and Flemish state broad- erty” in the western part of the Huddleston’s allegations, which elsewhere. Huddleston, who in the Islamic Maghreb and al- caster VRT said. Two adults capital, where most of the group she said dated back two years, served as ambassador to Mali and lows them to buy weapons and and three children were killed, was relocated by Iraqi authoristrengthened the view that the held positions in the State Depart- recruit,” she said in the comments a Belgian official told RTBF ties last year from a base given radio.—Reuters Mali rebellion was funded largely ment and Defense Department in that aired Saturday.—AP to them by Saddam. .
China marks new year with austerity
Assad reshuffles cabinet, inducting new faces
2 women among six Afghans killed in blast
Youth warning to kill 200 persons held
after little more that a decade of democracy in the world’s fourth most populous nation, that Indonesia has really had the means through the KPK anti-corruption agency to chase down suspected officials and politicians. The agency has had to fend of repeated attempts, including by police and legislators, to weaken its powers. But its head, Abraham Samad, sounded confident enough this week to state that even the president could not interfere with its investigations. The rash of graft cases comes ahead of next year’s general and presidential votes, with no clear front runner for either. Government coalition member the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) has also been badly hit after its head was forced to step down after investigations into the allegations the party was involved in a beef-import scam. That has led to widespread media speculation that the position of Agriculture Minister Suswono, a member of the PKS party, could be at risk. The PKS is the most successful of the Islam-based parties in the world’s most populous Muslim country. But it has faced repeated scandals including an incident when one of its MPs was photographed looking at pornography on a tablet computer in parliament. With Yudhoyono coming to the end of his second and final five-year term next year, speculation is high over who might take over.—Reuters
5 dead in attack on Iranian dissident Iraq camp
Five killed in ‘France pays $17m to Belgium plane Al Qaeda to free hostages’ crash
“At 5:30 a.m. around 18 Katyusha rockets landed in the camp, west of Baghdad, killing five people and wounding 42,” said an Iraqi policeman at the base, speaking on condition of anonymity. Another police source said between 25 and 45 people had been wounded. Photographs and footage sent by the MEK to Reuters showed bloodied bodies laid out on blankets. A spokesman for the group said they did not know for sure who was behind the attack, but said one likely suspect was Iran’s Quds force - an elite unit of the Revolutionary Guards with a special focus on military operations outside the country. MEK, which was formally removed from the U.S. State Department’s official list of terrorist organizations last year, has blamed previous attacks on the Quds force. Also known as the People’s Mujahideen Organization of Iran, the group led a guerrilla campaign against the U.S.backed Shah of Iran during the 1970s that also included attacks on U.S. targets. The United Nations intends to process them for refugee status in other countries, but they have complained that the conditions at Camp Liberty are poor and that they have not been permitted to bring many of their personal belongings. —Reuters
Wright, Broad lead England to T20 win over NZ WELLINGTON—Luke Wright power-packed batting line-up cleanness with which the guys to the bigger boundaries. “It was shone with bat and ball while captain Stuart Broad took four wickets as England eased to a 40run victory over New Zealand in their first Twenty20 international in Auckland on Saturday. All-rounder Wright’s 20-ball innings of 42 included three fours and four sixes as England’s
scored 214 for seven, their highest total in a T20 international. “The freedom the guys played with the bat today set us up brilliantly,” Broad said in a televised interview. “To go and set our record as an England batting line-up was fantastic. “It was exciting to see the
England Innings Lumb b McClenaghan ..... 22 Hales b Hira ..................... 21 Wright b Ellis ................... 42 Morgan b Hira ................. 46 Bairstow b Boult .............. 38 Buttler not out .................. 32 Patel b Ellis ........................ 2 Broad b Boult .................... 4 Tredwell not out ................. 0 Extras ................................. 7 Total for 7 214 (20.0 ovs) Bowling ............. O-M-R-W McClenaghan ......... 4-0-29-1 Boult ...................... 4-0-40-2 Hira ........................ 4-0-42-2 McCullum .............. 4-0-49-0 Ellis ........................ 3-0-40-2 Franklin .................. 1-0-14-0 Fall of wickets: 1-29, 2-89, 391, 4-172 , 5-194, 6-197, 7-203. New Zealand Innings
Rutherford b Broad .......... 18 Guptill b Wright ............... 44 B McCullum b Finn ......... 10 Taylor b Finn ................... 13 Munro b Broad 28 Franklin b Broad 8 N McCullum b Wright ....... 3 Ellis b Finn ........................ 4 Hira not out ...................... 20 Boult b Broad .................... 4 McClenaghan not out ......... 6 Extras ............................... 16 Bowling ............. O-M-R-W Finn ........................ 4-0-39-3 Broad ..................... 4-0-24-4 Dernbach ................ 4-0-33-0 Wright .................... 4-0-29-2 Patel ....................... 2-0-17-0 Tredwell ................. 2-0-24-0 Fall of wickets: 1-31, 2-46, 377, 4-111, 5-127, 6-128, 7-134, 8-135, 9-156 .
were hitting it.” The 27-year-old Wright then put immense pressure on New Zealand’s batsmen as he bowled several dot balls that forced the hosts to take risks, one of which resulted in Martin Guptill blasting a full delivery straight to Broad at mid-off for 44. Guptill’s wicket in the 13th over was a body blow for New Zealand as the right-hander had looked well set to be the batsmen the hosts could build their lateinnings assault around. Broad then chipped in with two wickets in the 15th over, removing James Franklin (eight) and Colin Munro (28) to ensure England’s total was well out of reach. The England skipper finished with 4-24, his best T20 international figures, while Wright took 2-29 and added a catch as New Zealand made 174-9 off their 20 overs.
23 SIXES “I think we learned a lot from batting on it first actually,” Broad added of being asked to bat by New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum. “We learned that we could bang it back of a length, take the pace off and get the guys hitting
Tennis: Kirilenko beats Date-Krumm to give Russia lead M OSCOW —Maria Kirilenko gave Russia a 1-0 lead against Japan in the opening match of their Fed Cup World Group first round tie with a tough straight sets victory over Kimiko DateKrumm here on Saturday. World number 13, Kirilenko, needed 2hrs 15 minutes to finally get the better of Date-Krumm, running out a 7-6 (7/3), 6-4 winner for her first victory over the 42-year-old veteran in three meetings. Kirilenko, who won a WTA tournament in Pattaya last week, looked rusty from the start as she produced a string of unforced errors, allowing Date-Krumm, who is 77th in the world, to break in the opening game. The 26-year-old Moscow native immediately broke back to level at 1-1, but the evergreen Japanese player broke again in the fifth game to take control of the set. However, Kirilenko closed the gap again in the 10th game as the set eventually went to a tiebreak that she confidently won by 7-3 for a one set lead in just over an hour. In the second set, Kirilenko appeared in complete control on the hardcourt surface at the Moscow Olympic arena by breaking her opponent’s serve twice from the start for a commanding 4-0 lead. Date-Krumm refused to go down without a scrap and managed to reduce the deficit with a break in the eighth game but Kirilenko managed to hold onto a narrow advantage and finally closed out the match 6-4 to give Russia the opening point. The match between Russia’s Ekaterina Makarova and Ayumi
MOSCOW: Maria Kirilenko of Russia returns a ball to Kimiko Date-Krumm of Japan during their quarterfinal match at the Fed Cup tennis tournament. Morita of Japan will be played later on Saturday, before the reverse singles and doubles on Sunday. Meanwhile, Rafael Nadal, playing his first match after a seven-month injury layoff, advanced to the semi-finals of the
$410,200 Vina del Mar ATP claycourt tournament with a straight-sets win Friday. The 11-time Grand Slam champion from Spain ousted seventh-seeded countryman Daniel Gimeno-Traver 6-1, 64.—AFP
certainly a good toss to lose.” The short boundaries straight down the ground, which is primarily configured for rugby, were peppered with a total of 23 sixes dispatched into the stands. The highest total for sixes in a Twenty20 international was the 24 hit by New Zealand and India in Christchurch 2009, a feat duplicated by Australia and India in Bridgetown a year later. Eoin Morgan top-scored for England with 46 from 26 balls and combined with Jonny Bairstow (38) in a 81-run partnership off 7.1 overs as England appeared set for a total in excess of 230 on the bouncy, drop-in pitch until the stand was broken. New Zealand did not help their cause by dropping five catches. “It was a really poor day in the field,” McCullum said. “You can’t afford to drop five catches in the field in any form of cricket, particularly in 20 overs with the power they have got. “I thought England were outstanding and put us under pressure. We were outplayed by a far better team on the day.” The second contest of the three-match series is in Hamilton on Tuesday.—Reuters
PCB blames women’s flop on security fears R AWA L P I N D I —Pakistan’s cricket chief on Saturday blamed the women’s flop in the World Cup on security fears in host India, claiming the players were “overwhelmed”. Pakistan finished last in the eight-team event after losing all four matches, which were moved to the eastern city of Cuttack when the right-wing nationalist Shiv Sena party threatened to disrupt Pakistan’s matches in Mumbai. The International Cricket Council decided to house Pakistan at the club house of the Barabati stadium instead of a hotel for security reasons. “The situation was uncertain for the women’s team and players were overwhelmed by fears as no hotel was willing to give them security,” said Zaka Ashraf, chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) after talks with Interior Minister Rehman Malik. Pakistan team manager Ayesha Ashar said at the time that the squad was happy with the arrangements made at the Barabati stadium. But Malik said he would raise the issue with India. “Not giving security to our women’s team is a concern and I will raise this issue with the Indian government,” Malik said. Nine Pakistani players were also withdrawn from the Hockey India League over threats from Shiv Sena last month, after clashes killed five soldiers along the de facto border between India and Pakistan in the disputed region of Kashmir. The two nuclear powers are bitter rivals who have fought three wars since independence in 1947.—AFP
AUCKLAND: Luke Wright scored a rapid 42 as England eased past New Zealand in the first T20.
Pakistan take Nepal series with 1-0 win K ATHMANDU —Second-half played their best. substitute Mohammad Mujahid was the hero as Pakistan recorded their second successive victory by edging Nepal 1-0 in their friendly match at the Dasharath Stadium in Kathmandu on Saturday. The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) striker was on the pitch for just three minutes before he pounced on a defensive lapse by Nepal, beating two defenders before slotting the ball past goalkeeper Kiran Chemjong in the 65th. It was an inspired substitution by coach Zavisa Milosavljevic who was pleased with the result of the two-match series which Pakistan won convincingly after taking the opening match by the same score on Wednesday. “We created more goal scoring chances,” Milosavljevic said at the press conference after the match. “I wasn’t happy in the first match but today my boys
Saqib upsets Jibran to clinch memorial tennis title PESHAWAR—A 14-year-old Pa-
kistan No.3 Saqib Umar upset top seed Jibran in a thrilling three sets battle in the Under-18 final of the First Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Bashir Bilour Age Group Tennis Championship being played here at Synthetic Court inside Qayyum Sports Complex on Saturday. Director Sports Pakistan Sports Board Coaching Center and former World No. 2 squash player Mohib Ullah was the chief guest on this occasion. Before the start of the final the two finalists Saqib Umar and Jibran Khan were introduced to him. Organizing Secretary Umar Ayaz, whose two sons Saqib Umar and Aqib Umar are playing in three different categories, and large numbers of spectators were also present and witnessed the final. The final of Under-14 will be played on February 16,at 3.00 p.m between Aqib Umar and Barkat Ullah.Saqib after losing the first set, won the remaining FAISALABAD: A horse rider showing his skills during International Tent Pegging competition at University of Agriculture Faisalabad. two sets.—APP
“We are building the team and we need competitive matches for that to happen. We will go to the Maldives from here where we will play two friendly matches.” Defeat for Nepal marked a disappointing return for their
skipper Suraj Thapa in his 50th international match but they created chances and tested Pakistan shot-stopper Jaffar Khan several times. Nepal created the first opening of the game in the fifth
minute when Bharat Khawas’ cross was headed just over the bar by Anil Gurung. Yasir Afridi then shot straight at Chemjong in the 17th for Pakistan’s first effort before Hassan Bashir, scorer of Pakistan’s winner in the first game, had another shot saved on the half-hour mark. A minute into the secondhalf, Kaleemullah fired one at the keeper and as the deadlock prolonged, the Pakistani coach called upon Mujahid to replace Saeed Ahmed in the 62nd. The striker wasted no time in scoring, stunning a 12,000strong crowd at the Nepalese capital. Nepal came back strongly but Pakistan held firm with Jaffar pulling off a string of spectacular saves to deny the hosts an equaliser. Pakistan now head to the Maldives where they will play friendlies on February 12 and 14.—AFP
BCCI fined $9.8 million over ‘unfair’ IPL deals NEW DELHI—The Board of Control for Cricket in India has been slapped with a $9.8 million fine by the government for unfair practices related to Indian Premier League contracts. The Competition Commission of India asked the Board of Control for Cricket in India to “cease and desist” from practices which denied market access to potential competitors. The CCI, set up to eliminate practices that have an adverse effect on competition, had reportedly been investigating IPL deals for more than two years. It’s another setback for the cash-rich BCCI. It was served a $433 million income tax notice last year, and its IPL franchise, the Rajasthan Royals, was fined $18.8 million this week by India’s Enforcement Directorate for flouting foreign exchange rules.—AFP
Gambling addicts are not greedy, they love betting thrill, says expert BIPIN DANI OBSERVER CORRESPONDENT MUMBAI—Craig Spearman, the former New Zealand opener’s confession about his one-time gambling addiction has gone well with the New Zealand Cricket Players’ Assocation (NZCPA). Speaking exclusively from Auckland on Saturday morning, the CEO, Heath Mills said, “we were aware that the PCA (Professional Cricketers’Association) in England were helping him but (we) had no direct involvement ourselves. Craig (Spearman) did not bring the matter to our attention”. ‘Pain and self-loathing pushed me to brink,’ the 41year-old batsman, Craig Spearman has recently confessed as part of a gambling tutorial on the PCA website. “You know the feeling when
you leave a movie theatre, come out of the darkness and hit the real world again. To me it was like that, go and gamble and then hit the real world again. I wanted to go there to escape something that was going on”, he has said. “It’s great to see Craig fronting this campaign for the PCA in England. This is a very serious issue and it would be great if his courage in doing this gives other players the confidence to seek help if they need it”, Mills said. “Craig has been living in England since the end of his international playing career and has forged a very successful career in county cricket. We wish Craig all the best for the future and hope that he has beaten this terrible addiction, Mills further added. According to Ed Hawkins, the expert in the betting market, the gambling addict is because of thrill in the betting. Speaking from London, he said, “the gam-
bling addict bets not because he is greedy but because he loves the thrill of betting. Whether he wins or loses is secondary”. Hawkins was the first to reveal truth behind the spot-fixing scandal. He even suspected that the 2011 World Cup semi final match between India and Pakistan in Mohali was fixed. “The players’ association is right to advise players about the dangers of gambling addictions. However, just because a player has a gambling addiction does not mean is corrupting matches. There is no evidence to link the two and to do so as a layman is to misunderstand the psyche of the gambler”, he added. The association correct identify that a player with debt, through gambling or otherwise, would be more vulnerable to accepting approaches from bookmakers”, he signed off.
Work-related stress ‘not linked to cancer‘
S
TRESS at work is highly unlikely to be a cause of the four most common types of cancer including colorectal, lung, breast and prostate, according to a large international review of previous research. Around
90 percent of cancers are linked to environmental exposures and whilst some exposures are well recognised (such as UV radiation and tobacco smoke), others are not (psychological factors such as stress). Stress can cause chronic inflammation which has been shown to have various roles in the development of cancer, plus stressed individuals are more likely to smoke, consume excessive amounts of alcohol and be obese - all of which are cancer risk factors. So far, only a few studies have examined the associations between work-related stress and cancer risk. These also had unclear conclusions. Researchers from the IPD-Work Consortium, led by the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health and University College London therefore carried out a meta-analysis of 12 studies involving 116,000 participants aged 17 to 70, from Finland, France, the Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, and the UK. Psychological stress at work was assessed using a validated measure, job strain. Job strain was categorised into: high strain job (high demands and low control), active job (high demands and high control), pas-
sive job (low demands and low control) and low strain job (low demands and high control). Data on cancer events were obtained from national cancer or death registries and hospitalisation registries. Rates were adjusted for age, sex, socioeconomic position, BMI, smoking and alcohol intake. Those with a BMI under 15 or over 50 were excluded from the study. Results showed that 5,765 out of 116,056 (5 percent) participants developed some form of cancer in the average 12 year follow-up. Researchers found no evidence of an association between job strain and overall cancer risk. They suggest that many of the previously reported associations may have been chance findings or influenced by possible unmeasured common causes of stress and cancer, for example shift work. Researchers conclude that the meta-analysis provided “no evidence for an association between job strain and overall cancer risk” suggesting that work-related psychological stress is unlikely to be an important factor for cancer. And although reducing work stress would improve the well-being of the general population, it is unlikely to have a marked impact on cancer burden at population-level. The study was recently published on bmj.com.
KARACHI: Activists of Jammat ud Dawa protesting against the hanging of Kashmiri freedom fighter Azfal Guru by India on Saturday.
Qaim visits homes of Manzar, Shah; offers Feteha
KARACHI—Sindh Chief Minister Sindh Syed Qaim Ali Shah on Saturday visited the residence of Manzar Imam, MPA, who was martyred by some armed men in Karachi few days ago. The Chief Minister offered fateha and condoled with the bereaved family on sad demise of Manzar Imam. He paid tributes to the deceased and lauded his services for the people. He condemned the assassination of sitting MPA and assured that the culprits will be arrested soon. Political consultant Siddique Abu Bhai, Special Assistants Rashid Rabbani, Waqar Mehdi and Najmi Alam accompanied the Chief Minister. Members of MQM including MPAs were also present. Later, the chief minister arrived at the residence of renowned Orthopedic Surgeon Dr Muhammad Ali Shah. He offered fateha and expressed conKARACHI: Army soldiers stand guard during the door-to-door voter verification cam- dolence with family members of Dr. Shah. He lauded the his serpaign in city. vices for medical profession and promotion of sports in Sindh province.—APP
Students shine at drama festival KARACHI— Around 100 A real person who is thrown from level students from Beaconhouse branches, Jubilee, North Nazimabad, Gulshan, PECHS and Clifton, gave theatrical performances at the Annual Drama Festival.An official of the institution said here on Saturday that last week the students of O’ level had performanced. The Beaconhouse School System (BSS) students put in their heart and soul to prepare for the festival and were actively involved in managing all aspects of their plays. The Jubilee Campus presented Accidental Death of an Anarchist, a fictional play based on events revolving around a
the fourth floor window of a police station. The team from North Nazimabad showcased King and I, a stage musical based on the novel Ana and the King of Siam, which was adapted by Beaconhouse teacher Anadil Iftekar. This depicted the need for rights and equal status of women in society. The PECHS Campus performed on a murder mystery Mousetrap by Agatha Christie, which is one of the longest running shows of the modern era. It is known for its twist endings, which the audiences are traditionally asked not to reveal after leaving the theatre.
‘Non-performance’ by playwright Ariel Elizabeth, was performed by students of Clifton Campus and promoted the idea that team effort is needed to achieve real success. Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, a comedy involving love, lunacy and laughter, was adapted and presented by enigmatic students from Gulshan. The judges included Bollywood actor Alyy Khan, Framji Minwalla from IBA and Pakistani television actor Raju Jamil. Students were honoured in the categories of Best Actor (from each play), Best Production, Best Direction, Best Art Design, Best Play and Best Actor of the Day.—APP
Practical headway in Circular Railway project in 2013-14 K ARACHI — There will be a practical headway in the Karachi Circular Railway (KCR) project in the fiscal year 2013-14. This was stated by the Administrator of the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC), Muhammad Hussain Syed. He stressed that the project would be completed within the stipulated period, says a KMC statement here on Saturday. It said that the Administrator KMC is on a five-day visit to
Japan for holding talks regarding the development projects of Karachi. Syed visited the head office of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and met with its Director General, Naka Hara, and other officials. Administrator KMC said that there will be practical headway regarding the KCR project in the fiscal year 2013-14. He further pointed out that the KCR project would be completed within the stipulated time
period. Syed said that the KCR would provide travel facilities to 700,000 Karachiites daily. He stated that JICA was extending financial assistance for the revival of KCR. Administrator KMC pointed out that Japan would also assist in other development projects in the metropolis. The foreign investment would help create the job opportunities which will contribute towards tackling the unemployment problem.—APP
‘Talks for caretaker setup underway’ KARACHI—Federal Law Minister Farooq H Naek has said that the consultation for caretaker setup is being carried out and the name of the caretaker prime minister is yet to be finalized. This, he said while talking to media at the seminar on “curbing corruption in the public sector” here on Saturday. The seminar was organized by National Accountability Bureau
(NAB) in collaboration with Transparency International at a local hotel. Naek assured that all constitutional obligations will be fulfilled in announcing caretaker setup. He reiterated that the forthcoming general elections in the country would be held in a free, fair and transparent manner as well as on time. To a question, the Minister said that law and order is a pro-
vincial subject after 18th Constitutional Amendment. However the federal government would assist the Sindh government in this respect as and when asked by the provincial government. To another question about the death of Fasial Kamran, a NAB officer, the minister said that inquiry in this regard is in progress and its report will be made public after its completion.—APP
Manzoor Wassan to inaugurate uplift schemes K ARACHI — The Provincial Minister Manzoor Hussain Wassan will undertake a three-day visit to Khairpur from February 10. An announcement here on Saturday said that he would perform the inauguration of various development schemes. Wassan would also lay foundation stone for a number of gas supply schemes approved under the MPA preferential programme. He will also address public gatherings at a number of places, KARACHI: Chairman Transparency International Sohail Muzaffar presenting a shield to it was further stated.—APP Federal Law Minister Farooq H Naek during a seminar at a local hotel.
Mehnaz; a voice of nightingale to be remembered forever KARACHI—Time flies like anything yet there are many around who, with vivid fondness, remember the 16 year old Mehnaz clinching trophies for Sir Syed College, Nazimabad, in district level songs and Naat khawani contests. “It was no surprise for me to witness her reaching higher echelons, bringing laurel for her country in the field of music,” reminisces Mrs. Akbar Shah, a former teacher of the legendary singer. Mehnaz, the nightingale, whose songs transcended borders and enjoyed by music buffs from across the globe, was equally known for her expertise in classical music along with her light songs, sung for radio, television and films. Her teacher, however, wished that the immensely talented girl may have completed her education. She
was intelligent and devoted and could have excelled in any field, but perhaps being the daughter of celebrated singer from subcontinent, the revered Kajjan Begum, had set her destiny as a singer. The fact that her father, Akhtar Khan, was associated with Radio Pakistan helped her to continue with her passion and soon came under the tutelage of personalities who were institutions in themselves. Khan Saheb Ghulam Qadir, elder brother of Mehdi Hassan, was one of her many teachers while late Madam Noor Jahan had also cited Mehnaz as one of her most sincere pupils. “What made her different apart washer attitude immersed in firm belief that respect commands respect,” said Naheed Akhtar, an accomplished singer on her own and a close
friend and colleague of Mehnaz. “It is not that she was in any way lesser than other singers of age. In fact her expertise in diverse genres of singing had put her far ahead from most of us,” added Naheed. Naheed Akhtar who has herself abandoned singing due to her other priorities in life regretted that her friend, who physically departed only recently, was forced to oblivion by a few centered souls pertaining to the industry. “Songs sung by her will keep her alive in our minds forever,” said Ishrat Bano, a close relative and cosinger of the artist who started her career for Radio Pakistan Karachi. “She was very much around but her talent was rarely utilized once she left the film industry,” said Yasmeen Sultana, a known music director. It is perhaps not the time to lament the apathy
reflected towards performers but is to establish chairs in their a known music director. We are to cherish their legacy with equal memory in the art councils func- fast losing people who are otherwise considered revered members of the society and this loss is irreparable, said Qazi Qajid, a performer of repute. Artists are sensitive souls and neglect is no less than death for them. Mehnaz was fortunate enough not to be exposed to any financial disposition but the fact that she was abandoned is extremely piercing for friends. A senior member of Karachi Music Society did not agree and referred to instances when she was invited, however, owing to her ailing health could not perform to her own satisfaction. “Diabetes, a debilitating disease prevented us to share her expertise in genres like ghazal, care that their dignity under any tional in different cities as well thumri, dadra, khayal, and circumstances is not compro- as in few musical schools in the drupad,” he said. “How can we mised. “What best could be done country,” said Javed Allahditta, forget salam, noha and marsiya,
she recited,” added the connoisseur. Admirers of the singer regretted that no attempt was made to enable the young performers learn from her expertise and this tendency is not restricted to Mehnaz only. It is perhaps high time that people at the helm of affairs turn cognizant of the needs of our artistes and ensure that precedence is set to institutionalize promotion of art and culture in its truest sense. “Music is fast turning into a fashion and there is no dearth of youth visiting neighboring countries, paying high fees to learn skills,” said a TV professional Mrs Siddiqui. The lady questioned as why such centres could not be established in our country where there was no dearth of accomplished singers and musicians.—APP
Condolence reference for Sirajul Haq Memon KARACHI—A condolence reference for prominent intellectual Sirajul Haq Memon will be held at the Arts Council of Pakistan here on February 10. The speakers would pay rich tributes to the deceased for his services as a scholar, intellectual and lawyer. Condolence reference is being organized under the auspices of the lok Virsa Committee of the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi.—APP
Lawyers protest against target killings KARACHI —Karachi lawyers staged a sit-in at the city’s busy M.A. Jinnah Road on Saturday to protest against the incidents of target killings of the lawyers. Sindh High Court Bar has also announced boycott of the courts proceedings on Monday. The lawyers held demonstrations in Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar and other cities and towns to protest against murders of senior lawyer M.M. Tariq in Karachi and Malik Jarrar Advocate in Peshawar. The lawyers boycotted court proceedings and blocked M.A. Jinnah Road to press for arrest of the killers of the lawyers. The leaders of the bar lamented that the government was failed to provide security to the lawyers and other citizens.—NNI
KESC fault plunges city areas in dark KARACHI—Central district of the metropolis plunged into darkness after extra-high tension line tripped in Saturday’s wee hours; also, the street lights went off throwing the roads in pitched dark. High tension line of Karachi Electric Supply Company (KESC) tripped overnight causing the abrupt suspension of power supply to the most areas of the city, posing serious troubles to the citizens.—NNI
Substituting vegetable oils for animal fats may up heart disease risk
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NEW study has found that replac ing saturated animal fats with omega-6 polyunsaturated vegetable fats is linked to an increased risk of death among patients with heart disease. This discovery published on bmj.com raises questions about dietary fats and heart disease guidance. The researchers say their findings could have important implications for worldwide dietary recommendations. Advice to substitute vegetable oils rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) for animal fats rich in saturated fats to help reduce the risk of heart disease has been a cornerstone of dietary guidelines for the past half century. The most common dietary PUFA in Western diets is omega-6 linoleic acid (n-6 LA for short). UK dietary recommendations are cautious about high intakes of omega 6 PUFAs, but some other health authorities, including the American Heart Association, have recently repeated advice to maintain, and even to increase, intake of omega 6 PUFAs. This has caused some controversy, because evidence that linoleic acid lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease is limited. An in-depth analysis of the effects of linoleic acid on deaths from coronary heart disease and cardiovascular disease has not previously been possible because data from the Sydney Diet Heart Study - a randomised controlled trial conducted from 1966 to 1973 - was
missing. But now, a team of researchers from the US and Australia have recovered and analysed the original data from this trial, using modern statistical methods to compare death rates from all causes, cardiovascular, and coronary heart disease. Their analysis involved 458 men aged 30-59 years who had recently had a coronary event, such as a heart attack or an episode of angina. Participants were randomly divided into two groups. The intervention group was instructed to reduce saturated fats (from animal fats, common margarines and shortenings) to less than 10 percent of energy intake and to increase linoleic acid (from safflower oil and safflower oil polyunsaturated margarine) to 15 percent of energy intake. Safflower oil is a concentrated source of omega6 linoleic acid and provides no omega-3 PUFAs. The control group received no specific dietary advice. Both groups had regular assessments and completed food diaries for an average of 39 months. All non-dietary aspects of the study were designed to be equal in both groups. The results show that the omega-6 linoleic acid group had a higher risk of death from all causes, as well as from cardiovascular disease and coronary heart disease, compared with the control group. The researchers then used the new data to update an earlier meta-analysis (a review of all the evidence).
Attempt to delay polls to be foiled: Shahbaz LAHORE—Punjab Chief Minister Mian Shahbaz Sharif has said that timely holding of general election is obligatory for stability of the country and any attempt to delay polls would be foiled. Talking to media persons here on Saturday, Shahbaz Sharif said that political parties which were concerned about increasing popularity of Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) among the masses were putting all out efforts to delay elections but his party would not let any such conspiracy to succeed. He said that Metro Bus Project was long term and would lessen the problems faced by motorists due to traffic jam. The Chief Minister said that if the masses expressed satisfaction in the Metro Bus Project then such development projects would also be initiated in other big cities of the province.—INP LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Mian Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif offering dua after inaugurating Centre for Energy
Ujala-Solar Project: Research and Development at University of Engineering and Technology Kala Shah Kaku. LHC seeks reply PPP office-bearers from Kasur, Nankana, Sheikhupura districts meet Party Chief from Punjab Govt LAHORE—The Lahore High Court on Friday sought a reply from the Punjab government on a petition against Ujala-Solar Lamp Project by February 12. Justice Muhammad Khalid Mehmood khan passed the orders on a petition filed through Mian Dawood Advocate. Earlier, the counsel arguing before the court submitted that the Ujala project was initiated to benefit selected individuals and gain political advantage. He contended that the project was against fundamental rights, therefore, directions be issued to stop it. The court after hearing arguments sought reply from the Punjab government by February 12.—APP
Woman killed in road accident LAHORE—A woman was killed and her husband and three children were seriously injured when a donkey cart hit their motorcycle on Saturday. According to rescue sources, Naseem was killed and her husband Shaukat and children Aasia, Naeem and Aleesha were seriously injured when a donkey cart collided with their motorcycle LAHORE: Activists of Jamaat-ud-Dawa and Kashmir Independence Movement set on near Purana Kahna Stop. The injured were shifted to fire Indian flag during a protest against hanging of Kashmiri freedom fighter Afzal Guru General Hospital Lahore.—APP by India.
Hamza advises youth to elect patriotic goal-committed reps STAFF REPORTER L AHORE —PML-N leader Hamza Shahbaz Sharif has said that it is only through education that corruption, terrorism and darkness can be eliminated. He said that youth should vote for such leadership in the forthcoming general elections as has the interest of nation at heart and is capable to play its role for the stability of the country. He was addressing the prize distribution ceremony of annual sports competitions held at Crescent Model School Shadman today. Principal Abdul Shakoor, teachers, parents and a large number of students were present. Hamza Shahbaz Sharif also gave
away prizes to the students of obtaining top positions in various sports events. Speaking on the occasion, the PML-N leader said that education is essential for progress and prosperity and in view of this fact Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has given top priority to the uplift of the education sector. He said that Daanish schools have been set up in those areas where literacy rate was extremely low. He said that by setting up Endowment Fund with a sum of ten billion rupees the Chief Minister has made the arrangements for the uninterrupted education of 50 thousand poor and destitute children.
Similarly, he said IT Labs have been established in four thousand schools for imparting latest knowledge and skill to the young generation. Hamza Shahbaz Sharif further said that like other steps of the Punjab government, laptops scheme has also given a new enthusiasm to the young generation to seek knowledge. He said that if his party came into power as a result of next elections, he will personally come to Crescent Model School for the distribution of the laptops. Hamza Shahbaz Sharif also announced provision of laptops from his own pocket to the winners of first three positions of annual games 2013.
55 absentee doctors sacked STAFF REPORTER LAHORE—The Punjab Health Department (PHD) has terminated the services of 55 doctors on Saturday for being remained absent from duty. The department sacked 89 absentee doctors on Friday after adopting the legal procedure, a spokesman of health department told APP. However, proceedings against the total of 200 absen-
tee doctors are reported to be going on. Meanwhile, The hunger strike of young doctors association is continued on the 6th consecutive day on Saturday to press for the acceptance of their demands. However, the protesting young doctors, have decided to storm the venue of metro bus service on Sunday where Punjab Chief Minister, Shahbaz Sharif is going to inaugurate the service.
Shuttle train restored LAHORE—Pakistan Railways restored a shuttle train between Shahdara and Kot Lakhpat on Saturday. Evacuee Trust Property Board Chairman Syed Asif Hashmi inaugurated the train at the Shahdara railway station. Addressing the ceremony, Hashmi said the PPP had used all available resources for the welfare of people during its period. He said the train was restored on the demand of people of the area, adding the PPP would initiate more welfare projects after coming to power again.—APP
Bilawal asks workers to highlight Party achievements
STAFF REPORTER LAHORE—A delegation of office bearers of Pakistan Peoples Party from Kasur, Nankana and Sheikhupura districts called on Chairman PPP Bilawal Bhutto Zardari at Bilawal House here on Saturday and discussed current political situation. The delegation headed by President PPP Central Punjab Mian Manzoor Ahmed Wattoo and opposition leader Punjab Assembly Raja Riaz included Divisional Coordinator and Secretary General PPP Rural Lahore Ch. Manzoor Ahmed, Sardar M. Hussain Dogar, MPA & District President Kasur, MPA Malik Akhtar Hussain Naul, Ch Ahmad Ali Tolu, MPA, Ch Amjad Ali Meo, MPA and District Presidents and General Secretaries of PPP. The meeting discussed po-
litical situation in the country with special reference to preparations of the party for the upcoming general elections. Chairman PPP Bilawal Bhutto Zardari called upon the office bearers of the party to gear up their efforts to reach out to the public and highlight the achievements of the party during the current tenure and also to mobilise people for maximum participation in the forthcoming elections. The Chairman said that PPP derived its strength from the people and was ready to go to the court of the people with the record of its performance during the last five years. He recounted various achievements of the PPP-led coalition government including the fight against militancy, granting provincial autonomy,
restoration to a large extent of the 1973 Constitution and purging it of distortions inserted by the successive dictatorships, the 20th Constitutional amendment to ensure free and fair elections, NFC Award, introduction of Aghaz-i- Huqooq-i-Balochistan, political stability through reconciliation, poverty alleviation and women empowerment through the Benazir Income Support Program, giving shares to the workers in state-run enterprises, giving identity to the people of Pukhtunkhwa and taking legislative and other measures to protect women and other vulnerable classes from exploitations. He said that even without simple majority, the PPP has achieved during its tenure what others with heavy mandate could not. He said, “we have to build on these gains as we still have to
travel a long distance in our struggle for real empowerment of the people and fulfilling the promise of our greater leaders of roti, kapra and makan.” The Chairman said, “with our eyes on the upcoming elections we will not allow anyone to create hurdles in the way of holding free, fair and transparent elections in the country.” He said that the completion of the tenure of the PPP-led coalition government was a great achievement in itself and augurs well for further strengthening of democracy and democratic process in the country. The Chairman advised the office bearers to galvanize party workers so to have greater interaction with the people of their constituencies and to help resolving the problems faced by the people.
Lawyers boycott courts over colleagues’ killing LAHORE—The lawyers fraternity have boycotted court proceedings in different parts of the country over the killing of their colleagues. Two senior lawyers, M.M. Tariq and Jarar Hussain, were gunned down in Karachi and Peshawar respectively on Friday. In Karachi, the lawyers boycotted city and Malir court. The proceedings in session, district, Model Town and Cantt courts were boycotted by lawyers in Lahore. Meanwhile the lawyers didn’t appear during court proceedings in Rawalpindi. The lawyers have also announced to boycott court proceedings on Monday on the call of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Bar Council. They have demanded LAHORE: Workers are busy in cleaning Gajjo Matta Station in connection with Metro the government to immediately Bus Service. arrest the criminals.—Online
Committee for enhancing environmental justice meets
Call for prioritising environment cases SALIM AHMED LAHORE—The Committee for Enhancing Environmental Justice (CEEJ) met under the Chairmanship of Hon’ble Justice Anwar Zaheer Jamali, Senior Judge, Supreme Court of Pakistan. The other Members of the Committee, Hon’ble Justice Qazi Faez Isa, Chief Justice, High Court of Balochistan, Hon’ble Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah, Judge, Lahore High Court, Lahore, Hon’ble Justice Munib Akhtar, Judge, Sindh High Court, Karachi and Hon’ble Justice Yahya Afridi, Judge, Peshawar High Court,
Peshawar participated. The meeting took place in the premises of the Lahore High Court, Lahore. Hamid Sarfraz, representative of IUCN, and Saima A Khawaja, Consultant presented their report on “Building Capacity for Environmental Prosecution, Adjudication, Dispute Resolution, Compliance and Enforcement in South Asia”. The said report was a follow up of the South Asia Conference on Environmental Justice, which was presided over by the Hon’ble Chief Justice of Pakistan Mr. Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, held at Bhurban in March, 2012. CEEJ had taken the initiative to enhance awareness and capac-
ity building of all stakeholders in matters pertaining to the environment. The Committee appreciated the fact that all the Chief Justices of the Provinces have nominated Green Benches and further lauded the contribution made by them. In this regard CEEJ has setup a website which is accessible by Judges, lawyers and members of the public and where information on environmental law matters is freely available at www.ceej.pk. The following decisions were taken at the meeting: In view of the fact that environmental issues effect a large number of persons, environment cases should be prioritized, and
in this regard the Committee recommended that all the Hon’ble Chief Justices of High Courts, provide requisite guidelines to their respective Registrars for early listing of such cases. Every High Court prepare a handbook containing all elements of environmental law and leading environmental cases and distribute the same amongst judicial officers. The concerned authorities may incorporate environmental law as a specific subject in the LL.B. curriculum. Environmental law be taught at all the judicial academies in Pakistan so that judicial officers are better placed to attend to environmental cases. The Provin-
cial and the Federal governments should immediately appoint competent Technical Members on Environmental Tribunals where such vacancies have not been filled. Periodical training be imparted to the members and chairmen of the Environmental Tribunals. The Committee suggested that seminars and conferences on environmental matters should be held at the provincial level and on all Pakistan basis to sensitize stakeholders in respect of environmental matters and to better equip them to confront the immense environmental challenges.